Hepatitis C

Hi Dr. Hansfield,

I know the window period for symptoms for Hep B, but I could not find on this site or the internet the following.

1. If you did experience symptoms (soon after infection) (while I know not everyone does) if you contract HVC, how long after the date of contraction would you experience acute symptoms (in other words, how many weeks earliest would you experience symptoms from the day you contract HVC if you did?)

2. What are the typical ACUTE (soon after infection) symptoms from the first onset after contraction of HVC. (Flu?, fever, stomach problems?) if you experience symptoms.  Not after long term chronic (which I know are liver problems, Jaundice, etc.)

Thank you

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Contrary to some people's beliefs, hepatitis isn't an STD; sex has never been shown to be a mechanism of transmission of the virus - blood exposure is the nearly exclusive route.  Because it isn't an STD, I don't keep up with it very closely.  However, few people with new HCV infection get symptoms at all.  Of those that do, I suppose most get nausea, jaundice, etc a few weeks after catching it.  The chronic liver problems, when they occur, can manifest themselves anywhere from a few months to 50 years later.

I suggest you check out the American Liver Foundation or other sources for more information.  Sorry I can't be more helpful.

HHH, MD

[helpmelplease1]

Thank you for the American Liver Foundation reference.

It basically gave me the info necessary.

Just for your info to help you with your job:

The incubation period after exposure to HCV has a range of 15-150 days (average 50 days). Within 3 months following exposure to the virus, 90% of the infected people will have detectable antibodies. Within the average of 50 days, almost all patients develop liver cell injury which is indicated by elevated serum blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Individuals infected with HCV are often unaware of the illness because most of the time they do not have specific symptoms, e.g., loss of appetite, abdominal pain or malaise.

Thank you, Dr. Hansfield.