Viral infection that causes liver inflammation, often chronic. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Hepatitis C
Viral infection that causes liver inflammation, often chronic
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can be acute or chronic.
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Modern direct-acting antiviral medications can cure hepatitis C in most people.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms initially
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Possible causes
- Sharing needles or drug equipment
- Unsafe medical procedures
- Blood transfusion (before 1992)
- Mother to baby during birth
- Rarely, sexual contact
Care and treatment options
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)
- Treatment duration 8-12 weeks
- Regular liver monitoring
- Avoiding alcohol
- Lifestyle modifications
Key points
- Curable with modern medications
- No vaccine available
- Often asymptomatic
- Can cause liver cancer
- Cure rate over 95%
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Hepatitis C the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Hepatitis C?
Viral infection that causes liver inflammation, often chronic This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Hepatitis C?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), Treatment duration 8-12 weeks, Regular liver monitoring, Avoiding alcohol. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Hepatitis C be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Hepatitis C can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.