How is hepatitis A spread?

The virus leaves an infected person's body in stool. Spread can happen when handwashing is inadequate after using the toilet or helping someone with toileting, followed by preparing food, eating, or touching shared surfaces. Food or drinks can become contaminated during growing, handling, preparation, or serving. Close household contact and sexual contact involving exposure to stool can also transmit it. A person may pass the virus before recognising that they are unwell. Hepatitis A affects the liver and may cause nausea, poor appetite, tiredness, fever, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Wash hands carefully with soap and running water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Do not prepare food for other people while unwell, and clean bathroom touchpoints regularly. Avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items that may become contaminated. If you may have been exposed, contact a clinician promptly because vaccination may be advised after exposure in some situations. A clinician can assess symptoms and arrange a Liver Function Test when appropriate. Read more about Hepatitis A Vaccination and Hepatitis A.

Seek medical advice if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, marked tiredness, worsening abdominal pain, or trouble keeping fluids down. Arrange prompt advice after close contact with someone who has confirmed hepatitis A, even if you feel well. Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, unusual drowsiness, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening illness. Nausea, Loss of Appetite, and Feeling Generally Unwell can occur with hepatitis A, but these symptoms can have other causes too.

Ask whether your symptoms need liver tests, whether people in your household need assessment, how long to take precautions around food preparation, and whether Hepatitis A Vaccination is suitable after a possible exposure.