What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure.

The following symptoms could occur:

• jaundice
• abdominal pain (right upper abdomen)
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• low-grade fever
• pale or clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• generalized itching

Signs and Tests:

• Hepatitis virus serology with negative antibody to hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
• Hepatitis C PCR test
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Liver biopsy shows acute or resolving hepatitis
• Hepatitis C genotype. Six genotypes are present around the world. Most Americans have genotype 1 infection, which has lower response rates to treatment.