How common is jaundice in hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A inflames the liver and can interfere with the normal handling and flow of bilirubin. This may turn the eyes or skin yellow and make urine darker than usual. Tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort under the ribs, fever, or pale stools may appear before or alongside the colour change. Some people have mild illness or no obvious jaundice, so the absence of yellowing does not exclude infection.

Arrange a medical review if you develop yellow eyes or skin, especially after feeling unwell or having dark urine. Diagnosis may involve an examination and blood tests that assess liver inflammation and confirm the cause. Rest, drink fluids as tolerated, and avoid alcohol. Check with a clinician before taking medicines or supplements because an inflamed liver may handle them differently. Follow local public-health advice about hygiene and close contacts.

Get urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, dehydration, or rapidly worsening jaundice. A person who cannot keep fluids down, passes very little urine, or becomes difficult to wake needs immediate assessment. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with existing liver disease should seek advice early.

Ask which tests confirm Hepatitis A, how to protect household contacts, which medicines and foods to avoid, and when you can return to work or school. Ask what changes in urine, stools, alertness, or hydration should prompt urgent review.