Where hepatitis A comes from

The virus leaves an infected person's body in stool. It can reach another person's mouth when handwashing is incomplete after toilet use or changing a nappy, or when food is prepared by someone who is infected. Contaminated water, food, and shared household surfaces can also be involved. Close personal contact can provide a route of spread, even when the infected person has not developed obvious symptoms.

Hepatitis A is different from hepatitis B and hepatitis C in its usual route of transmission. Having a symptom such as nausea or dark urine does not identify the source by itself. A clinician can help connect timing, travel, food, household contact, and test results with possible Hepatitis A.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Do not prepare food for other people while unwell or until a clinician advises it is reasonable. Clean frequently touched bathroom surfaces and avoid sharing towels. If you have had close contact with a confirmed case, ask promptly whether Hepatitis A Vaccination or another preventive option is appropriate. Safe food and water practices are especially useful during travel.

Contact a clinician after a known exposure, particularly if you are pregnant, have liver disease, or have a weakened immune system. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, severe abdominal pain, or rapidly increasing yellowing. New fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, dark urine, or yellow eyes after a possible exposure deserves medical assessment.

Ask when exposure may have occurred, whether testing is needed, how long to avoid preparing food, how to protect household members, and whether vaccination is suitable after contact.