How do I know if I have Hepatitis C?

Some people with hepatitis C may experience:

• Feeling tired or generally unwell
• Joint and muscle pain
• A high temperature (fever)
• A loss of appetite; not feeling hungry, even at meal times
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal(tummy) pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine (wee) and pale bowel movements (poo)
• Itchy skin

 
People with chronic hepatitis C infection (6 months or longer) may experience:

• Extreme tiredness
• Depression
• Memory and concentration problems
• Moodswings
• Digestive problems
• Joint and muscles aches and pains
• Headaches
• Flu like symptoms
• Pain in the liver area
• Stomach pains
• Itching

How can hepatitis C be treated?

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

If you’re diagnosed with hepatitis C your GP will usually refer you to a liver specialist (Hepatologist).

Treatment can take a long time and can have side effects, so it is important you know that treatment is right for you before starting on it. Treatment will usually last for between 6 to or 12 months, depending on the strain of hepatitis C you have and will involve a combination of different drugs taken for some or all of this time.

Should I test for hepatitis C?

If you think that you have hepatitis C it’s a good idea to get a blood test right away. You might not have symptoms but if you have been a situation that has increased risk such as drug use or unprotected sex with someone with the virus, it’s important you have your bloody taken and tested.

Where can I test for hepatitis C?

You can get a test at a range of sexual health clinics (sometimes called GUMs) across Greater Manchester.

Sexual Health testing services in Greater Manchester.

You can also test at your GP or community services like LGBT Foundation’s full screening clinic for people who identify as men who have sex with men.