Ask your health care provider for the most current treatment available to you. Symptoms may last 1 to 6 weeks and are usually followed by complete recovery. Relapse is common, however. It can be triggered by drinking too much alcohol or exerting yourself before you are fully recovered. It may also be caused by another infection.
Relapses are usually milder than the initial infection and respond well to rest.
A third to one half of people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis, that is, hepatitis that lasts at least 6 months. Your health care provider may check your blood every few months for signs of chronic liver disease. Avoid taking medicines that are metabolized in the liver. Ask your health care provider which drugs these are. Rest in bed according to your health care provider's instructions.