What should you know about hepatitis A in infants?

An infant may become less interested in feeds, unusually sleepy or irritable, or have vomiting, loose stools or fever. Dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin and eyes can be relevant, although signs may be subtle and hard to judge in a baby. These changes have many possible causes; they do not prove hepatitis A.

A clinician asks about close contact, travel, food and water exposure, vaccination history and wet nappies. Blood tests may be used, and a liver function test may be considered. Do not give medicines or supplements without checking that they are suitable for the infant.

Call the child’s doctor promptly if hepatitis A exposure is possible or feeding changes. Record feeds, vomiting, stools, urine and temperature if you can. Continue breast or bottle feeds as advised, offer fluids only in the way the clinician recommends, and watch for fewer wet nappies.

Wash hands after nappy changes and before preparing feeds. Do not share utensils, towels or food with a person who may be infected. Ask about Hepatitis A Vaccination and protection for household members.

Seek urgent care if the infant is difficult to wake, breathing unusually, cannot keep feeds down, has very few wet nappies, appears severely dehydrated, develops marked yellowing or deteriorates quickly. Promptly report dark urine, pale stools, repeated vomiting or a baby who is much less responsive than usual.

Ask whether testing is needed, how to maintain hydration, what symptoms should trigger emergency care, and whether the infant or close contacts need vaccination or follow-up. Mention every medicine, supplement and recent exposure.