Stages of hepatitis A

At first, hepatitis A may cause feeling generally unwell, tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, low-grade fever, or discomfort under the ribs. This early phase can resemble other viral illnesses. As inflammation affects the liver, urine may become dark and the skin or whites of the eyes may turn yellow. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others feel more ill. Children can have few or no noticeable symptoms, whereas adults may experience a clearer sequence. The illness does not become chronic, and liver function usually improves as the infection settles.

A [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) page gives broader information about the infection. Changes such as [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/), [Loss of Appetite](/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/), and [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/) can help describe the phase you are experiencing.

Arrange a clinical assessment if hepatitis A is suspected, especially when yellowing, dark urine, vomiting, or marked tiredness develops. A clinician may use symptoms, an examination, and blood tests to assess the liver and confirm the cause; a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) can show how the liver is responding. Rest, drink enough fluid, and choose small meals if appetite is poor. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician or pharmacist before taking medicines or supplements, because the liver processes many products. Follow hygiene advice carefully, including thorough handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly if yellowing is increasing, urine stays very dark, symptoms are worsening rather than easing, or you have liver disease, are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system. Close contacts may need advice about [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/), depending on timing and individual circumstances.

Ask which tests are needed, whether your medicines or supplements should change, how to protect household members, and what signs would mean your recovery is not following the expected pattern.