Common symptoms of hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. Early symptoms may resemble a general viral illness: tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, low fever, and discomfort under the ribs on the right side. Dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and itching can appear as the liver becomes inflamed. Some people, particularly young children, have few noticeable symptoms. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the infection; a clinician may use an examination and blood tests, including a liver function test.

Arrange medical advice if you develop dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, persistent nausea, or unusual tiredness after a possible exposure. Rest, drink fluids, eat small meals if appetite is low, and avoid alcohol. Ask before taking medicines or supplements because the inflamed liver may process them differently. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food, and tell the clinician about household or travel exposure.

Seek urgent help for confusion, extreme sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, inability to drink, or rapidly worsening yellowing. Prompt assessment is also sensible for a pregnant person, a child, or someone with another liver condition. People exposed to a confirmed case may need timely preventive advice, including discussion of hepatitis A vaccination.

Ask which tests can confirm hepatitis A, how to protect people at home, whether your medicines need review, and whether vaccination is suitable for close contacts or future prevention.