Hepatitis A clinical manifestations

The infection affects the liver and can begin with a general flu-like feeling before more recognisable liver-related changes appear. Some people have few or no noticeable symptoms, especially children. Adults may notice marked fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, discomfort beneath the ribs on the right side, or a mild fever. Jaundice can make the whites of the eyes or skin look yellow, while bile changes may make urine darker and stools paler. These features can also occur with other illnesses, so symptoms alone do not confirm hepatitis A.

A person can pass the virus to others before they realise they are unwell. A clinician may combine the history, examination, and blood tests, including a Liver Function Test, when assessing possible Hepatitis A.

Arrange a medical assessment if these symptoms are new, persistent, or occurring after possible exposure. Rest, drink fluids as tolerated, and choose small meals if nausea or loss of appetite makes eating difficult. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician before taking medicines or supplements, because the liver processes many products. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Vaccination can help prevent Hepatitis A in people for whom it is advised.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact a clinician promptly for dark urine with significant fatigue, suspected exposure, or symptoms in a pregnant person, infant, older adult, or someone with existing liver disease.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether your symptoms fit Hepatitis A, how to protect household contacts, which medicines to avoid, and whether Hepatitis A Vaccination is suitable for you or someone recently exposed.