How long is hepatitis A contagious?

The virus leaves the body mainly through stool and can reach food, water, hands, or shared surfaces when handwashing is inadequate. A person may spread hepatitis A before recognising fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, or dark urine. Symptoms can continue after the period of greatest infectiousness, so feeling better does not by itself confirm that transmission has stopped.

Hepatitis A does not follow the same pattern as hepatitis B. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis with symptoms, examination, and blood testing, including a liver function test when appropriate.

Arrange medical advice if you think you have hepatitis A, and tell the clinician about close household, sexual, travel, food, or childcare contacts. Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid preparing food for other people while your clinician considers you infectious, and do not share towels or personal items that may be contaminated.

Ask whether hepatitis A vaccination is appropriate for you or people recently exposed to you. Clean bathroom touchpoints regularly and follow the specific exclusion advice given by your clinician or local health service.

Seek prompt medical assessment for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, worsening weakness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or inability to keep fluids down. These symptoms can signal significant liver illness or dehydration. Seek urgent help if confusion, fainting, or severe dehydration develops.

Ask when you should stay away from food preparation, work, school, or childcare; whether household contacts need vaccination or assessment; which medicines and supplements to avoid; and whether follow-up liver tests are needed.