Hepatitis C infection progresses without symptoms or only with very inconspicuous, flu-like symptoms in three-quarters of those affected. Acute infection occurs in 15-25%.
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate acute hepatitis C:
- General feeling of illness
- Fatigue
- Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen
- Nausea (nausea)
- Icterus (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate chronic hepatitis C:
- General feeling of illness
- Fatigue
- Reduction in performance
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen
- Nausea (nausea)
- Icterus (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Pruritus (itching)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
70% of chronic viral hepatitides involve the hepatitis C virus. Often, the increase in liver enzymes (transaminases) is the only sign of hepatitis C.
Other indications
- For extrahepatic (“outside the liver“) manifestations of chronic hepatitis C, see “Consequelae.”
