Can hepatitis A be transmitted through blood?

People with hepatitis A may have virus in their blood around the early phase of illness. A blood exposure may therefore matter when infected blood enters another person’s bloodstream, such as through a shared needle or a needlestick injury. Transmission through donated blood products is unusual because screening and processing reduce this risk. Casual contact, breathing the same air, hugging, or sharing a room does not spread hepatitis A.

The illness affects the liver. Some people develop nausea, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, or dark urine; others have few or no symptoms. These symptoms can have many causes, so a symptom alone does not establish hepatitis A. See the overview of [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) for the broader illness.

If blood from someone who may have hepatitis A entered a wound, eye, mouth, or injection site, wash exposed skin with soap and water and contact a clinician promptly. Describe when the exposure happened, how it occurred, whether the skin was broken, and whether you have received hepatitis A vaccination. A clinician can decide whether vaccination or other follow-up is appropriate and whether a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is useful.

Until you receive advice, do not share needles or personal items that may have blood on them. Handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food remains a key prevention measure. Ask about [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/) if you may have ongoing exposure risk.

Seek prompt medical advice after a blood-to-blood exposure, especially if you are pregnant, have liver disease, or have a weakened immune system. Arrange assessment if you develop nausea, marked tiredness, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine after a possible exposure. Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, severe vomiting, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask: Could this exposure transmit hepatitis A? Do I need vaccination or testing? Which symptoms should I watch for, and should I take precautions around household members or food preparation?