What should you know about exposure to hep A?

Hepatitis A is a virus that can spread when tiny amounts of infected stool reach the mouth, often through contaminated food, water or close household contact. A person may spread it before recognising illness. Exposure may lead to infection, but some exposed people remain well.

Symptoms can appear after a delay and may include feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, fever, pale stools or dark urine. Yellowing of the skin or eyes can occur. Symptoms do not reliably show when exposure happened, so give a clinician the date and type of contact.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly, especially after close household contact or shared food. Ask whether hepatitis A vaccination or another preventive option is appropriate for you and when it should be given. Do not share food, drinks, toothbrushes or towels until you have received advice.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after toilet use and before eating or preparing food. Avoid preparing food for others if you develop symptoms. Keep a note of exposure timing, travel, vaccination history, symptoms and relevant liver conditions.

Seek urgent care for confusion, extreme sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, or yellowing with marked deterioration. Arrange prompt assessment for dark urine, worsening nausea, loss of appetite or feeling generally unwell after a possible exposure. Pregnant people, young children and people with liver disease should seek advice early.

Ask whether you need a hepatitis A blood test, when a liver function test may help, whether vaccination is suitable, and what hygiene steps your household should follow. Mention the exposure date, symptoms, travel and previous vaccination.