How long does hepatitis A last?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. Early illness may feel like a general flu-like upset, with nausea, loss of appetite, and feeling generally unwell. Dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes can appear as the liver processes bile differently. Symptoms may fade gradually rather than stopping on a single day, and energy can take longer to return. A person’s age, general health, and the severity of inflammation can influence the recovery pattern.

Rest when fatigue is prominent, drink regularly, and choose manageable meals as appetite returns. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician before taking medicines or supplements that may affect the liver. Keep careful hand hygiene and follow local medical advice about food preparation and close contacts. A liver function test can help a clinician monitor how the liver is recovering when assessment is needed.

Arrange medical review if symptoms are not improving, fatigue is interfering with basic activities, or nausea prevents adequate drinking. Seek urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or rapidly deepening yellow skin or eyes. New or worsening dark urine should also be reported, especially with pale stools or difficulty staying hydrated.

Ask whether you need liver function testing, how to manage medicines while the liver is inflamed, and when normal activity is sensible. Discuss testing or vaccination for household and close contacts if exposure is possible.