Hepatitis C is a severe viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It can lead to severe liver damage, if left untreated, making it a very deadly disease. Hep C can also infect the kidneys and other organs of the body. Hepatitis C is mainly caused due to contact with another person who has the disease (i.e., unprotected sex, sharing needles, etc.). The Hepatitis C virus, which also known as the HCV virus, is present in the blood (and in rarer cases the bodily fluids) of an infected person. 

There are many symptoms that can indicate hepatitis C, including the following:

1. Fever

Fever can be an indication of hepatitis C as a fever indicates that it has an infection that the body is trying to get rid of. The body raises the temperature as a defense mechanism to kill the virus. A person having hepatitis C can experience sweats and chills with fever. A fever by itself is not a strong indication that you have hepatitis C. But if you experience fever with a conjunction of other signs then you should consult a doctor immediately.

2. Pruritis or edema

Pruritus, which is also known as itching, and edema, which is swelling, are very common symptoms of hepatitis C. A person who has hepatitis C experience these symptoms as the liver fails to process the bilirubin normally. Itching is not harmful but if the scratch is kept exposed they can lead to infection. If you experience swollen feet then you should consult a doctor.

3. Muscle pain

Muscle pain in the body alone is not a strong indication of the disease. It is one of the less common side effects of the disease. The cause of muscle pain can be the presence of antibodies that the body produces to combat the Hepatitis C viruses can cause muscle pain. The antibodies can cause pain in the muscle and in the joints. If there are any additional symptoms of hepatitis c along with muscle pain then you should consult a physician without any delay.

4. Dark urine

Generally, the urine color should be clear with a slightly yellowish tinge. But people who have hepatitis C can experience dark urine which is dark brown in color. The body loses its ability to process bilirubin because of the hepatitis C virus which causes the dark brown color of the urine. Though dark urine can be caused due to other reasons like gall bladder issues or insufficient water consumption. If you experience other symptoms as well then you should definitely consult a doctor.

5. Jaundice

Jaundice is the yellowing of the eye and the skin. A pale yellowish color appears in the eyes and also the skin which indicates the presence of jaundice. Jaundice occurs when the liver fails to process bilirubin properly. Since hepatitis c leads to failure of proper bilirubin processing the body develops jaundice. If jaundice is experienced with other signs and symptoms of the disease then it is highly advisable to consult a doctor.

Hepatitis C is a very severe disease and identifying the symptoms at an early stage can help you get treated successfully.