Hepatitis C by the Numbers: Fatigue

While there are numerous symptoms associated with hepatitis C, fatigue is one of the most prominent and detrimental to a person's overall quality of life. We asked our community to tell us more about their lives with hepatitis C in a short survey.

102 hepatitis C patients

Completed an online survey that focused on hepatitis C symptoms and symptom management. Most respondents were middle aged females living in the U.S.

82%

Of those individuals who experienced symptoms at the time of their hepatitis C diagnosis, experienced fatigue. Other symptoms experienced to a lesser extent were muscle aches (62%) and joint pain (55%). Interesting that about 1 in 4 respondents were not experiencing symptoms at the time of their diagnosis.

1 in 20

Of those experiencing fatigue at the time of their diagnosis, cited fatigue as their only symptom at the time.

Only 3%

Of those experiencing fatigue at the time of their diagnosis cited that it had little to no negative impact on their life at the time. Among initial symptoms experienced, fatigue by far had the greatest negative impact – with 79% indicating that it had an extreme negative impact and 18% felt it had some.

Almost 9 out of 10

Hepatitis C patients surveyed were currently experiencing symptoms. Fatigue was the leading symptom to trouble these individuals, cited by 89%. Other commonly experienced symptoms included joint pain (80%) and muscle aches (76%).

5.3

The average number of symptoms experienced by those having hepatitis C symptoms. So it’s not surprising the fatigue is not the sole symptom that individuals suffer, with less than 5% citing fatigue as their only symptom.

Only 1%

Of those who currently experienced fatigue indicated that it had little to no negative impact on their life. Among symptoms currently experienced, fatigue by far had the greatest negative impact – with 71% indicating that it had an extreme negative impact and 28% felt that it had some. 

80%

Of individuals who experienced fatigue, were apt to suffer it on a daily basis. 16% undergo fatigue a few days a week and only 4% a few times a month.

2.9

The average number of methods used to combat fatigue. A total of 90% of fatigue sufferers take efforts to combat their fatigue, with staying hydrated / drinking plenty of water (68%) being the most commonly used tactic (68%) and reducing the usage of medications that add to their fatigue being the least used method for combating fatigue (9%).

Only ½

Of those who suffered from fatigue go to bed earlier or utilize coffee caffeine to fight their fatigue.

Fatigue continues to be the most commonly reported symptom associated with hepatitis C, and it has a profoundly negative impact on a person's quality of life.