Is hepatitis A a sexually transmitted disease?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. Sexual activities involving contact with the anus or faecal contamination can allow transmission; it is not spread through every type of sexual contact. A person may be infectious before recognising symptoms.

Possible illness includes feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine. Some people have few symptoms. Symptoms do not identify the source of infection, so a private, non-judgmental clinical discussion is useful.

Contact a clinician if you have symptoms, have had a relevant exposure, or need advice for a partner. A liver function test may form part of the assessment, with other tests selected according to timing and symptoms.

Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid preparing food for others while unwell, and ask promptly about hepatitis A vaccination after a possible exposure or if vaccination may protect you in the future.

Seek urgent assessment for severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or rapidly worsening yellowing of the eyes or skin. Avoid alcohol and check medicines with a clinician while liver illness is being assessed.

Ask whether testing is needed, when exposure may have occurred, whether close contacts need advice or vaccination, and when it is safe to return to food preparation or sexual activity.