Acute viral hepatitis A

It spreads when tiny amounts of infected stool contaminate hands, food or water. Treatment focuses on fluids, nutrition, rest and avoiding substances that could place extra strain on the liver; antibiotics do not treat this virus.

Hepatitis A inflames the liver and can present with tiredness, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort under the right ribs, dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin or yellowing of the eyes and skin. Children may have mild or unnoticed symptoms, while adults can feel markedly unwell.

Blood tests can identify the infection and a liver function test helps clinicians assess liver irritation and function. Unlike some other viral hepatitis infections, hepatitis A does not become a long-term infection, though recovery from the acute illness can be gradual.

Drink regularly and try small, simple meals if nausea reduces appetite. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician or pharmacist before taking medicines, supplements or herbal products because the liver processes many of them.

Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Do not prepare food for others while infectious, and follow local clinical advice about returning to work, school or nursery. Household and close contacts should promptly ask a clinician whether hepatitis A vaccination or other preventive care is appropriate.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, unusual drowsiness, difficulty waking, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, fainting, bleeding that is hard to stop, vomiting blood or black stools. These features can indicate dehydration, bleeding or impaired liver function.

Seek prompt review if jaundice is deepening, abdominal pain is severe, urine output drops, or symptoms worsen after initially improving. Babies, pregnant people, older adults and anyone with existing liver disease should contact a clinician early for an individual assessment.

Consider asking which blood tests confirm the diagnosis, when liver tests should be repeated, what medicines and foods to avoid, how long infection precautions apply, and whether close contacts need preventive treatment.