According to the American Liver Foundation, hepatitis C is a liver diseases caused by the HCV virus. Over four million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C, and approximately 10,000 people die annually from the disease. It is spread through blood, and up to 80 percent of infected people are infected by sharing needles. Unfortunately, hepatitis C symptoms do not show up for years. When they do show up, they can be either mild or severe.
Jaundice
Jaundice is an early symptom of hepatitis C and causes the skin and eyes to become yellowish because of high levels of bilirubin in the body. It is a symptom something is going wrong with the liver. The liver rids the body of toxins, and bilirubin (a byproduct of hemoglobin) is a toxin.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues are associated with a number of illnesses. Some minor and others life-threatening. The Mayo Clinic states that with hepatitis C, a number of digestive issues such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can show up. Pay close attention to how often you experience loss of appetite, and note the severity of other digestive and intestinal issues. If digestive issues last longer than a week and become more severe and frequent, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Fatigue
According to the National Institutes of Health, persistent fatigue is present in many diseases and disorders because the body is fighting off an infection. Fatigue, however, is not the same as wanting to fall asleep–fatigue is a lack of energy coupled with hopeless feelings. An evaluation by your physician is needed if you get enough sleep during the night and still lack energy. Constant fatigue could be a sign of a more serious illness or depression.
