Hepatitis A transmitted: what to know

Transmission means the virus has moved from an infected source into another person, usually through the mouth after contact with contaminated stool, food, water, hands, or surfaces. It does not prove that the exposed person is infected; exposure and infection are different. Some infected people develop tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, while others have few symptoms. A healthcare professional may use antibody testing and a liver function test to clarify what is happening.

Contact a clinician promptly after a known household, sexual, food-related, or travel-associated exposure. Share the date and type of contact, your vaccination history, and any liver condition. Wash hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food for others if illness is suspected, and do not share drinks or utensils. A clinician can decide whether hepatitis A vaccination or another post-exposure measure is appropriate.

Seek urgent care for confusion, marked drowsiness, severe abdominal pain, ongoing vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, unusual bleeding, or quickly worsening jaundice. Arrange prompt assessment for dark urine with yellow eyes or skin, especially during pregnancy or with existing liver disease.

Ask whether your exposure warrants testing or vaccination, how to protect people at home, how long precautions should continue, and which symptoms should trigger immediate review.