The condition in which the liver gets inflamed and infected is known as hepatitis C . Acute hepatitis C symptoms are usually seen within a few weeks of being exposed to the virus. The symptoms of chronic hepatitis C, on the other hand, may develop over time, sometimes taking even months or years to be noticed. The common signs of this condition are discussed herein.

1. Fever
In most cases, a fever is a distinctive sign of an infection. Hence, when you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), you could experience a rise in body temperature or a fever. Such an issue occurs because your body is trying to fight the infection.

2. Dark Urine
Urine is normally straw or yellow in color. Dark yellow or brown urine is a sure sign that there is a problem with your liver. This dark color is a result of the body trying to eliminate the excess bile that is being produced. Although it should be noted that dark urine could also be an indicator of dehydration but when coupled with the other symptoms mentioned, it could be a symptom of hepatitis C and must be checked as soon as possible.

3. Loss of Appetite
A reduction or lack or loss of appetite could be a result of bacterial, fungal or viral infections such as hepatitis C. After treatment of the underlying infection, your appetite will return to normal.

4. Abdominal Pain
The abdominal pain or discomfort that occurs in a hepatitis C infection is due to the inflammation in the liver. The liver produces a type of protein called albumin. And when albumin is not sufficiently produced in the body, there could be an accumulation of fluid in the stomach which results in pain. The pain that occurs due to hepatitis C is most often in the upper right abdominal region.

5. Joint Pain
This is one of the early signs of your body trying to fight off the hepatitis C virus. Such a sign differs from the joint pain caused by arthritis.

6. Jaundice
The pigment bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down. It passes through the liver and is then excreted from the body. However, when the functioning of the liver is compromised, bilirubin might pass into the bloodstream. When the levels of bilirubin are high in the blood, the skin and eyes would turn yellow or have a yellowish tinge known as jaundice.

7. Nausea
Sudden nausea and vomiting could occur when you have a hepatitis C. This happens when the infection causes an abdominal in the body.

A hepatitis C infection cannot be prevented with the administration ofa vaccine. So, you  must talk to your doctor about preventive measures and regular screenings for this condition.