Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for:
Vomiting blood
Black, tar-like stools
Severe confusion, unusual behaviour, or difficulty waking
Fainting with signs of internal bleeding
Rapid abdominal swelling with severe breathlessness
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you develop new jaundice, increasing abdominal swelling, swollen legs, unusual bruising, persistent vomiting, or worsening confusion.
These symptoms do not always mean severe liver damage, but they need assessment.
These can be signs of bleeding or advanced liver complications and should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment or hepatitis C test if you have had a possible blood exposure, previously shared drug-injection equipment, received an unscreened transfusion, or have been told that a liver test is abnormal.
Testing is also appropriate if a current or former sexual or household contact has hepatitis C and blood exposure may have occurred.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatitis C. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.