What should you know about hepatitis A antibody symptoms?

Hepatitis A antibodies do not cause symptoms; symptoms come from the infection, and some people have no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur, they can include tiredness, feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, fever, and diarrhoea. Yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, or dark urine can develop as the liver becomes inflamed.

A hepatitis A antibody test looks for the immune system's response to the virus. An IgM antibody result can support a recent or current infection, while an IgG antibody result can indicate past infection or protection after vaccination. The exact meaning depends on which antibody was tested and whether other liver or hepatitis tests were done. An antibody result by itself does not explain every symptom and does not show how severe an illness is.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It commonly presents with digestive symptoms and general illness, but symptoms may be mild or absent, especially in younger children. For a broader overview, see [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/). You can also read about [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/), [Loss of Appetite](/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/), and [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/).

Arrange a medical review if you have symptoms that could fit hepatitis A or if a test has shown hepatitis A antibodies. A clinician may review the timing of symptoms, possible exposure, medicines, alcohol use, vaccination history, and other medical conditions. They may request blood tests, including a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/), to assess liver inflammation and interpret the antibody result alongside other findings.

Until you have medical advice, rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, and avoid alcohol. Do not start or stop medicines, supplements, or pain relief without checking that they are suitable for your liver. If hepatitis A is suspected or confirmed, careful handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food helps reduce spread to others.

Seek urgent medical care for yellow skin or eyes with worsening illness, repeated vomiting, severe or increasing abdominal pain, confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. A person with known liver disease, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system should contact a clinician promptly when hepatitis A is possible.

A recent household or close contact with hepatitis A may need prompt advice about prevention, even if they feel well. Ask whether [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/) is appropriate after an exposure.

You could ask: Which hepatitis A antibody was detected? Does the result suggest a recent infection, past infection, or vaccine-related protection? Do I need repeat blood tests or a liver function test? Could any of my medicines or supplements affect my liver? How should I protect people living with me while the result is clarified?