How is hepatitis A transmitted?

Hepatitis A is transmitted when a person swallows the virus, usually from contaminated hands, food, water, or close contact. Transmission reflects a faecal-oral route, so careful hygiene is central to prevention.

The virus leaves an infected person in stool and can contaminate hands, bathroom surfaces, food, or drinking water. Another person becomes infected when contaminated material reaches the mouth. Close contact and sexual activity involving stool exposure are recognised routes.

Transmission can happen before the infected person understands what is wrong. Hepatitis A illness may involve feeling generally unwell, nausea, reduced appetite, or dark urine. Those features support a medical conversation but cannot establish where infection came from.

Use soap and water for handwashing after toilet use and before eating or preparing food. Avoid preparing meals for others when you are unwell until you receive clear medical advice. Ask about hepatitis A vaccination after travel planning or a relevant contact.

Tell a clinician promptly about a confirmed exposure, when it occurred, and any previous vaccination. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, or yellow skin or eyes. A clinician may arrange liver function testing when appropriate.

Ask whether you or close contacts need vaccination, testing, temporary food-handling restrictions, or follow-up. Clarify which changes in urine, appetite, or general wellbeing should lead to another review.