What should you know about hepatitis A?

The virus is usually transmitted when tiny amounts of infected stool reach the mouth, often through contaminated food or water, unwashed hands or close contact. Early illness may feel like a general viral infection, with tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, fever or discomfort under the ribs. Jaundice can darken urine and turn the skin or eyes yellow. Symptoms can be more noticeable in adults, while some infected children have few symptoms. Hepatitis A does not become a lifelong infection, but the liver may need time to recover.

Contact a clinician if hepatitis A is possible, particularly after travel, a shared-food exposure or close contact with a diagnosed person. A liver function test and other blood tests can help clarify the cause. Rest, drink fluids and eat small meals as tolerated. Avoid alcohol and check before taking medicines or supplements that may strain the liver. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food; do not prepare food for others while infectious.

Seek urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, bleeding or rapidly worsening yellowing. Prompt advice is also needed for a pregnant person, an infant, an older adult or anyone with existing liver disease. Ask about hepatitis A vaccination after a relevant exposure, because timing can affect prevention.

Which tests confirm hepatitis A? How long might I be infectious? Should household or sexual contacts receive vaccination? When can I return to food handling, work or school?