How do you get hepatitis A?

People get hepatitis A when the virus enters the mouth, commonly through contaminated food, water, hands, or close contact. The virus then reaches the liver and can cause an illness ranging from mild to significant.

The virus is shed in stool. Infection can follow inadequate handwashing after using the toilet, contaminated food preparation, unsafe water, or close personal contact with an infected person. Sexual contact involving exposure to stool can also transmit it.

A person may spread hepatitis A before realising they are ill. Symptoms can include feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, and dark urine, but some infections have few or no obvious symptoms. A symptom alone does not identify the source.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Use safe drinking water and take care with food hygiene when travelling. Ask a clinician about hepatitis A vaccination if your work, travel, health, or household situation increases exposure concerns.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly after close contact with a confirmed case or suspected contaminated food or water. Explain when the exposure happened and whether you have been vaccinated. Seek medical care for yellowing eyes, severe vomiting, dehydration, confusion, or worsening illness.

Ask whether your exposure warrants testing, vaccination, or advice for household contacts; also ask how long to follow food-handling precautions and which symptoms should trigger review.