Hepatitis A virus symptoms

Hepatitis A is a liver infection. Early symptoms may feel like a general illness, with tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, fever, or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes can appear as liver inflammation affects bile handling.

Symptoms vary by age and health. A symptom such as nausea is not specific to hepatitis A, so it cannot identify the cause on its own. Exposure to contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, and travel history can help a clinician decide what to investigate.

Arrange medical advice if hepatitis A is possible, particularly after an exposure or travel-related illness. Rest, drink fluids in small frequent amounts, and avoid alcohol until a clinician has assessed you. Do not share food, drinks, or towels while an infectious illness is being considered, and wash hands carefully after using the toilet.

A clinician may review your symptoms and order blood tests, including a liver function test, when appropriate. Tell them about medicines, supplements, recent food, travel, and contacts who are unwell.

Seek urgent care for confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, fainting, or signs of severe dehydration. Yellowing of the eyes or skin with worsening illness also needs prompt assessment.

Contact a clinician promptly for dark urine, persistent nausea, loss of appetite, or feeling generally unwell after a possible exposure. Keep children, older adults, and people with liver disease under a lower threshold for advice.

Ask whether your symptoms fit hepatitis A or another illness, which tests are needed, how to reduce spread at home, and whether close contacts need vaccination advice. Mention the date of possible exposure and any existing liver condition.