Hepatitis A en español: what to know

The hepatitis A virus enters the body through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. It can cause tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal discomfort, dark urine and yellow eyes or skin. Some people have few symptoms, while others feel quite ill. A clinician may use a liver function test and specific blood tests to clarify the diagnosis. Hepatitis A does not normally become a long-term infection, but the liver needs time to recover.

Arrange a medical review if you think you have hepatitis A, have symptoms after an exposure, or have been told a contact is infected. Rest, take regular sips of fluid and choose light foods as tolerated. Check with a clinician before using pain medicines, herbal products or supplements because some can strain the liver. Wash hands with soap after toilet use and before eating or handling food. Avoid cooking for others while infectious, and ask about vaccination or protection after a recent exposure.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, severe abdominal pain, or rapidly deepening yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you are pregnant, have liver disease or take regular medicines, arrange advice early even if symptoms seem mild. Tell the service about possible hepatitis A before arriving.

Ask what caused the suspected exposure, which blood tests are planned, how long to avoid preparing food, which medicines are safe, and whether household or sexual contacts need advice.