The hepatitis C virus (or HCV) causes hepatitis C, which attacks the liver. The virus is spread via blood from infected people. The spread today is accelerated by sharing equipment used to inject substances such as drugs or unsterile tattoo or piercing equipment. For some people, the body fights off HCV on it’s own. However, in other cases, the disease can become a long-term ailment and cause severe liver issues (i.e., cirrhosis).

Early hepatitis C symptoms include the following:

1. Joint pain
When the hepatitis C virus attacks, the body’s defense is activated to fight the virus. The virus mutates and triggers conditions outside the liver, such as joint inflammation. Medication used to treat arthritis can help to relieve joint pain related to hepatitis C. However, it is essential to note that some medications used to treat joint pain may damage the liver.

2. Nausea
A study showed that patients with Hepatitis C feel nauseated more often than those with liver disease. Since the Hepatitis C virus attacks the liver, the liver cannot produce sufficient bile to break down fatty food. This complication can result in nausea. Some Hepatitis C treatment regimens such as ribavirin may also cause nausea.

3. Sore muscles
Muscle aches are realized when the Hepatitis C virus starts to attack areas outside the liver. The treatment for the virus also leaves the patient feeling exhausted and on low energy. This can prompt the patient to spend a lot of time sleeping or resting, resulting in sore muscles. Trying to be active can help to reduce muscle pains.

5. Poor appetite
Taste alterations for patients with Hepatitis C largely contribute to loss of appetite. Eating high calorie foods in small quantities such as avocados, smoothies, and peanut butter may help to compensate for weight loss resulting from Hepatitis C. Varying the texture, type, and color of food may also help to improve the appetite.

6. Dark urine
Imbalance of fluids and nutrients in the kidneys, bladder, and ureter resulting from the Hepatitis C virus can lead to a darkened urine color.

7. Stomach pain
The Hepatitis C virus inhibits the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Therefore the stomach produces too much acid that causes stomach ulcers hence the stomach pains. A doctor prescribes treatment after diagnosing the stomach pains are Hepatitis C related.

8. Fatigue
Most Hepatitis C patients talk of feeling tired all the time. This tiredness does not go away with sleep. Studies explain that as the body is fighting an illness that has stayed for a long time, fatigue is likely to be felt.

9. Fever
Fever comes when the body is trying to fight invaders such as bacteria, fungi, and bacteria. The hepatitis C virus is an invader and hence triggers fever as the body tries to fight it off.

10. Itchy skin
The Hepatitis C virus attacks the liver, which is responsible for other organs such as the skin. Therefore when the normal functioning of the liver is altered, the skin becomes itchy.

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