Acute hepatitis A infection explained

The virus spreads mainly when tiny amounts of infected stool reach the mouth through contaminated hands, food or water. Care focuses on rest, tolerable food and fluids, avoiding substances that can stress the liver, and reducing transmission to others.

Inflammation temporarily disrupts the liver's work. Hepatitis A may present with tiredness, nausea, poor appetite, discomfort under the right ribs, fever, dark urine, pale stools, or yellow skin and eyes. Some people have mild or no noticeable symptoms, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

A clinician uses the exposure history, examination and blood tests to distinguish hepatitis A from other causes of liver inflammation. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not establish a chronic infection, although recovery can feel gradual.

Contact a clinician if hepatitis A is suspected. Drink regularly, choose small meals that you can tolerate and pace activity according to fatigue. Avoid alcohol, herbal remedies and non-prescribed medicines until a clinician or pharmacist confirms they are suitable for an inflamed liver.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food. Do not prepare food for other people while infectious, and avoid sharing items that may be contaminated. Household or close contacts should promptly ask a healthcare professional whether vaccination or other preventive care is appropriate.

Get emergency help for new confusion, unusual drowsiness, collapse, vomiting blood, black stools, severe bleeding or difficulty staying awake. These signs can reflect serious liver dysfunction or another acute problem.

Arrange same-day medical advice if repeated vomiting prevents fluids, urination becomes very limited, abdominal pain is severe, yellowing is worsening, or pregnancy or existing liver disease is involved. Bring a list of medicines and details of recent travel, food exposures and unwell contacts.

Ask which blood tests confirm the infection, whether liver tests need repeating, which medicines are safe during recovery and how long to avoid food preparation or close-contact activities. Contacts can ask when preventive vaccination is useful.