What should you know about hepatitis A for travel?

Hepatitis A spreads when contaminated food, water, hands, or surfaces reach the mouth. Travel can change these exposures, particularly where sanitation is limited. The illness may start with tiredness, fever, nausea, poor appetite, or a general unwell feeling; dark urine or yellowing can develop later. Travel-related symptoms do not prove hepatitis A, so assessment should consider other infections and liver problems. Explore [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) and [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/).

Arrange a travel-health appointment as early as possible and ask whether [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/) suits your destination, health history, and departure date. During travel, drink treated or sealed water, choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot, peel produce yourself, and wash hands with soap before eating. If symptoms begin, avoid preparing food for others and seek local medical advice. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may be part of evaluation after travel.

Get medical advice during or after travel for nausea that persists, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, or worsening fatigue. Seek urgent help for confusion, severe vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or inability to drink. Tell the clinician where you travelled and when symptoms began.

Ask whether vaccination is advised, which food and water precautions fit your itinerary, what to do after an exposure, and where to seek care while abroad.