Are You Feeling Fatigued? Could Hepatitis C Be the Cause?

Are Unexplained Fatigue and Aches Troubling You?

Feeling tired all the time, enduring muscle aches, or suffering joint pains can be more than just a busy lifestyle. Sometimes, these symptoms hint at underlying health conditions like Hepatitis C—a virus that affects thousands across the UK and can go undetected for years.

What is Hepatitis C and How Does It Affect You?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver, spread primarily through blood-to-blood contact. Often, it causes minimal or vague symptoms in the early stages, making it easy to dismiss as everyday tiredness or stress.

• Persistent tiredness or chronic fatigue
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Joint or muscle pain
• Dark urine or yellowing of the eyes (in more advanced cases)

Many people live with hepatitis C without realising it, risking long-term liver damage if left untreated.

Should You Be Concerned?

Some groups are more at risk, especially if you:

• Had a blood transfusion before 1991
• Share needles or received unsterile tattoos/piercings
• Were born to a mother with hepatitis C
• Work in healthcare
• Have lived in areas where hepatitis C is more common

Accessible Science: How Does a Home Test Work?

Our Hepatitis C Antibody Home Blood Test Kit uses a tiny, self-collected finger-prick sample. Results are usually available within one day. The test detects antibodies, a sign your body has encountered the virus. It's simple, private, and as accurate as lab-based testing.

What If You're Not Ready to Buy a Test?

• Take note of your symptoms and risk factors
• Visit your GP if you suspect hepatitis C
• Learn more about hepatitis C from the NHS A-Z Hepatitis C page
• Consider annual screening if you're in a risk group

Take Control: Your Next Steps

If these symptoms sound familiar, don't wait. At Mayfield Clinic, you can buy a home kit or book an in-person blood test—whichever suits your lifestyle. Early detection is the key to effective treatment.

Want to learn more about hepatitis C in the UK? Visit the NHS hepatitis C information.