Contents

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis C infection

Key points

  • Most people have hepatitis C for many years before signs or symptoms develop.
  • Getting tested is the only way to know if a person has hepatitis C.
  • Diagnosing hepatitis C early and getting cured can prevent long-term health problems by reducing the amount of time the virus has to injure the liver.

Hepatitis C is often referred to as asymptomatic or as a “silent” disease because there are no signs or symptoms of infection until the liver is severely injured and a person starts to experience health problems. In fact, many people live with chronic hepatitis C for years — even decades — before any symptoms develop. Getting tested is the only way to know if a person has hepatitis C. Anyone who may be at risk of a hepatitis C infection should get tested. Regular testing helps detect hepatitis C early to ensure that people can access effective treatment and care before the virus causes long-term health problems. It is important to note that having certain symptoms does not automatically mean a person has hepatitis C. 

Symptoms of an acute infection

Few people show symptoms during the acute infection phase. The acute infection phase happens when a person is first exposed to hepatitis C and can last up to six months. When people do experience symptoms, these can include: fatigue; tenderness or an aching feeling on the right side of the abdomen; decreased appetite occasionally with weight loss; flu-like symptoms; nausea; tendency to bruise or bleed easily; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes); rash; dark-coloured urine; and light or clay-coloured stools. These symptoms are sometimes severe and may lead a person to visit the emergency department, but often these symptoms can go away after a short time.

Symptoms of a chronic infection

If the hepatitis C infection progresses to a chronic infection (lasting more than six months), it can take years and possibly decades before symptoms of advanced liver disease develop. These can include: jaundice; fluid build-up (ascites or edema); and blood in stool or vomit. Sleep disturbances, depression, weight loss, dry or itchy skin, and “brain fog” may occur in people with chronic hepatitis C but the cause of these symptoms remains uncertain.

Symptom management

Some signs and symptoms of infection can cause discomfort that can be easily managed by a healthcare professional. Others are significant medical complications. A person experiencing symptoms should speak to a healthcare professional. If symptoms become severe, a person should consider visiting a hospital emergency department. 

Getting treated and cured is the best way to prevent long-term health complications from chronic hepatitis C. For more information, see Treatment and liver health.

Resources for service providers

Resources for clients

Hepatitis C Basics – CATIE brochure

Revised 2025.