Hepatitis A causes and spread

The hepatitis A virus can spread through contaminated food or water, close personal contact, or poor hand hygiene after using the toilet. A person may pass the virus before realising they are ill. Once swallowed, it reaches the liver, where it multiplies and prompts inflammation. It is not spread through ordinary casual contact such as sitting near someone.

Symptoms can include feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal discomfort, pale stools, or dark urine. Some infected people have few or no symptoms, particularly children, but can still pass the virus. The infection is usually temporary and does not normally establish a long-term liver infection.

If hepatitis A is possible, contact a clinician for an assessment rather than trying to identify the cause from symptoms alone. A Liver Function Test can show liver irritation, while specific blood testing helps distinguish hepatitis A from other causes of hepatitis.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after toilet use and before touching food. Do not prepare food for other people while your clinician advises against it, and do not share items that may be contaminated. Ask about Hepatitis A Vaccination if you have not been vaccinated or have had a recent exposure.

Seek prompt care for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine with worsening illness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, confusion, unusual sleepiness or inability to drink. Tell the clinician about recent travel, shared meals, close contacts and any known exposure. People with liver disease, pregnancy or a weakened immune system should seek advice early after a possible exposure.

Ask how the infection may have been acquired, which test confirms it, whether household or food-handling precautions apply, and whether vaccination or post-exposure advice is appropriate for close contacts.