Hepatitis C is a viral infection that leads to inflammation and damage to the liver. According to the United State Department of Health and Human Services there are more than 3 million people living with chronic hepatitis C and approximately 17,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The disease is caused by the hep c virus (HCV) and affects the functioning of the vital liver organ and eventually leads to liver failure.

If you have hepatitis C, symptoms usually show up between two and 12 weeks after exposure to the virus. About 70 to 80 percent of people have no symptoms when they first contract the HCV infection. The remaining 20 to 30 percent of patients may experience these early or overlooked symptoms:

1. Dark urine and discolored stool
If your body is properly functioning, you will notice some variations in the color of your urine. Urine color can change depending on the food you eat and the amount of water you drink. One symptom of hepatitis C is dark, tea shaded urine. Discoloring in the stool can be another sign. Hepatitis C patients often experience pale or gray colored stools.

2. Joint and muscle aches and pain
When you have hepatitis C your body is fighting a virus, as a result your body’s immune system may start to break down due to the virus. This can result in joint and muscle pain. Patients may experience an overall feeling of being tired and fatigued.

3. Itchy skin
The liver eliminates many of the toxins in your body. When you have hepatitis C and your liver isn’t functioning properly and these toxins are not being removed properly. The toxins accumulate in your bloodstream and result in severe itching of the skin. You may also notice bumps and rashes as one of the first signs of an infection.

4. Stomach aching and pains
Hepatitis C can cause several intestinal issues including indigestion and bloating leading to increased abdominal pain. As the liver enlarges a person may experience a sense of fullness behind their rib cage.

5. Mood swings and depression
Lesser known symptoms of hepatitis C are often not directly visible to the patient and include mood swings, short-term memory, concentration, brain fog, anxiety and depression. The condition can also affect your mental health and can be enhanced by some of the medications used to treat the condition.

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. The Center for Disease Control has worked to identify seven distinct HCV genotypes and more than 67 subtypes. Medications and treatment plans depend on the identified genotype of the virus and the amount of liver scarring the patient has experienced. No single drug works for every person; patients need to work with their doctor to find the best treatment plan for their condition.