Hepatitis C
Symptoms

What are the signs of hep C?

Most people with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) don’t show any symptoms, yet hep C can lead to serious health complications.

In people who do develop symptoms from acute infection, the average time from exposure to symptoms ranges from 2 to 12 weeks.
Even without symptoms, a person with hep C can still spread the virus to others.

If you're at risk for hep C, and have experienced any of the symptoms listed below, speak with your healthcare professional and ask if you should be tested. It's important to note that you should never try to diagnose hep C yourself and that it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of acute (new) and chronic hepatitis C infection may include: 

  • Fever
  • Fatigue (feeling tired even if you’ve had a normal amount
    of rest and activity)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea (upset stomach)
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain (pain in the gut)
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellow coloring of the eyes or skin)
  • Depression
Hep C fact Hep C fact Hep C fact

About 2.3 million
adults in the U.S. are living
with
the hepatitis C virus and
about 40% may not even know it.

Next:

Diagnosing hepatitis C