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
Seek emergency medical help if your child:
Vomits blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Passes black, tar-like stools
Becomes confused, extremely drowsy, or difficult to wake
Has severe abdominal swelling with breathing difficulty
Has heavy bleeding that does not stop
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 your child develops yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, unusual bruising, increasing abdominal swelling, or a major change in energy or appetite.
These symptoms are uncommon, particularly in children without advanced liver scarring, but they need urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if your child has confirmed hepatitis C, was exposed during pregnancy, or missed a planned blood test.
Contact the care team if treatment doses are being missed, side effects are troublesome, or a new medicine or supplement is being considered.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatitis C - children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.