Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Fact Sheet
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Most infections (> 90%) are either asymptomatic or very mild early on. 

When symptoms are present during the early phase of infection, they usually include abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

A high percentage (50%-80%) of persons with hepatitis C will progress to what is called a chronic infection.  This means the virus will remain present in the body for many years and likely for the rest of your life.

Over an extended period of time, chronic infections will lead to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver.  Symptoms are not usually present during this progression.

Symptoms

• More than 90% of acute infections are mild or asymptomatic

Acute Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Jaundice

Chronic Symptoms

• Liver damage

Incubation Period

• 2 weeks to 6 months; most commonly 6-9 weeks.

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