What should you know about hep a mode of transmission?

Transmission can happen when handwashing is incomplete after toilet use or changing a nappy, followed by touching food, utensils or another person. Contaminated food or water can also carry the virus. Close personal contact, including sexual contact involving exposure to stool, may spread it.

The virus can spread before the infected person realises they are ill. Feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine or yellow eyes may develop later, but symptoms are not a reliable way to judge whether transmission has occurred.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Clean shared bathroom surfaces, avoid sharing food while unwell and follow public-health or clinical advice about work, school and close contacts.

If you may have been exposed, contact a clinician promptly and ask whether Hepatitis A Vaccination is appropriate. If illness is suspected, do not prepare food for other people until a clinician advises you. Testing, including a Liver Function Test, may be considered when symptoms require evaluation.

Seek advice after a known exposure, even without symptoms. Arrange prompt review for nausea, dark urine, yellowing, worsening tiredness or poor appetite. Get urgent help for confusion, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, repeated vomiting or rapidly worsening illness.

Ask when you could have been infectious, whether close contacts need preventive advice, how long to use extra hygiene measures, whether vaccination is suitable and which symptoms require testing.