What are the causes and symptoms of hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, hands, or close contact and may cause nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, and general unwellness. Some people have mild illness or no noticeable symptoms. These symptoms can fit hepatitis A, but they can also occur with other conditions, so testing and a clinical assessment matter.

The illness may begin with tiredness, feeling generally unwell, reduced appetite, nausea, or discomfort in the abdomen. Dark urine or yellowing of the eyes and skin can appear as the liver processes bile differently. A symptom does not establish its cause by itself; the pattern, possible exposure, examination, and blood tests are considered together.

Call a healthcare professional if you suspect exposure or develop a cluster of these symptoms. Until you receive advice, wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for others if infection is suspected, rest, and take fluids in small amounts if nausea makes drinking difficult. A liver function test and specific hepatitis A testing may be requested. Ask about vaccination for prevention.

Seek urgent help for confusion, severe sleepiness, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing that is rapidly worsening. Arrange prompt review for dark urine with significant illness, especially if you have a history of liver disease.

Ask which symptom changes should trigger urgent help, whether your exposure could explain the illness, which tests are needed, how to protect people at home, and whether hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for you or close contacts.