Is hepatitis A airborne?

The virus leaves an infected person's body in stool. It can reach another person's mouth through unwashed hands, shared food, unsafe water, or surfaces. Breathing the same air, sitting nearby, or being in the same room is not the usual route. A person may spread infection before feeling unwell, so hygiene matters even when someone looks healthy.

Possible illness can include nausea, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, and dark urine. These symptoms can have other causes; a symptom alone does not establish hepatitis A.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing nappies, and before preparing or eating food. Avoid preparing food for others if you have been told you may have hepatitis A, and follow local medical advice about close contacts. A clinician can discuss hepatitis A vaccination when prevention is appropriate. Testing and a liver function test may help clarify illness and liver inflammation.

Arrange medical advice promptly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, or trouble keeping fluids down. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe drowsiness, fainting, or signs of dehydration. If you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with hepatitis A, contact a clinician soon because preventive advice is time-sensitive.

Ask whether your symptoms need hepatitis testing, whether a liver function test is suitable, and whether household or sexual contacts need advice. You can also ask whether vaccination is recommended for you and how long to take extra hygiene precautions.