What should you know about hepatitis A infection?

The virus spreads when contaminated stool reaches another person's mouth, commonly through hands, food or water. Early illness may feel like a general viral illness, with tiredness, fever, nausea, reduced appetite or abdominal discomfort. Later, some people develop yellow skin or eyes, pale stools or dark urine as the liver processes bile differently. A clinician may use symptoms, examination and blood tests, including a liver function test, to assess the liver and consider the diagnosis.

Many people improve with time, fluids, rest and food as tolerated. Avoid alcohol and check medicines or supplements with a clinician while the liver is inflamed. The infection can still spread to household contacts, so hygiene and vaccination advice matter.

Wash hands carefully with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid preparing meals for others while advised to remain away from food handling, and clean shared bathroom surfaces. Drink regularly, eat small meals if appetite is low and keep a record of symptoms. Ask about hepatitis A vaccination for eligible household contacts or after a known exposure. Do not take extra pain medicines or herbal products without checking their suitability.

Arrange prompt assessment for yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, dehydration or unusual drowsiness. Urgent help is needed for confusion, inability to keep fluids down, fainting or a rapidly worsening condition. Contact a clinician after a known exposure even without symptoms, since advice about testing, monitoring and vaccination may be time-sensitive.

Ask which tests are needed, which medicines and supplements to pause, how to protect people at home, when work or school can resume, and what follow-up symptoms should trigger a review.