A condition in which the liver becomes inflamed and infected is referred to as hepatitis C. The condition is caused when a person is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. The condition can be both chronic as well as acute.

Here’s everything you need to know about the signs and treatment options of hepatitis C.

Signs of hepatitis C
If a person is at the risk of contracting the virus, they must keep themselves fully aware of the signs and treatment options of hepatitis C all the time. The symptoms of hepatitis C can be bifurcated into early symptoms and delayed symptoms.

Early symptoms of hepatitis C
As per the CDC, up to 80 percent of acute hepatitis C patients do not experience any symptoms. However, the symptoms can start to show up not long after getting exposed to the hepatitis C virus in some cases. In these people, the symptoms can include the following:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

If the symptoms of hepatitis C have shown early, which is soon after coming in contact with the virus, they can also include:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Pain in the stomach
• Pain in the muscles or joints
• Urine problems and abnormal bowel movements
• Eyes and skin turning yellow

If you are experiencing early symptoms, they should start occurring about 6 to 7 weeks after the exposure.

Delayed symptoms of hepatitis C
While in some cases, the symptoms can start showing up in less than two weeks, in some others, the symptoms might be delayed and can take much more time to show. The delay can be anywhere between 6 months to 10 years. This happens because it can take the virus years to cause substantial damage to the liver. The symptoms in such cases will include:

• The feeling of exhaustion that does not go away
• Pain and discomfort in the stomach, joints, and muscles
• Memory problems and not being able to focus or concentrate
• Mental problems such as doing complicated tasks
• Mood swings
• Depression or anxiety
• Rashes or itching on the skin
• Dyspepsia

Treatment options for hepatitis C
In most cases, the condition can be cured with the help of modern treatment options. The course of treatment for hepatitis C is usually a combination of drugs that kill the virus. The medicines are prescribed to be taken for 8 to 24 weeks. 

In most cases of acute as well as chronic hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral medicines are given. These medicines were given a stamp of approval in 2013. The medicines are safe with minor side effects such as fatigue and headache.

These medicines are able to treat the condition by preventing the multiplication of viral cells in the body.