10 Common Early Symptoms of Hepatitis C
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.