Hepatitis A: what to know

The virus passes into the body through contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person. Symptoms may appear after an interval, and some people have few symptoms while still needing advice about preventing spread. A clinician may assess the liver with examination and blood tests, including a liver function test, and may check other causes of jaundice or nausea.

Arrange medical advice if hepatitis A is possible, especially after travel, a known contact or exposure to unsafe food or water. Rest, drink enough fluid, eat small meals if appetite is low, and avoid alcohol. Do not start supplements or medicines for the liver without checking first. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Hepatitis A vaccination can help prevent infection and may be discussed after an exposure.

Seek urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, inability to drink or rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact a clinician promptly for dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea or feeling generally unwell after a possible exposure. Keep away from food preparation for others until you receive specific advice.

Do my symptoms need hepatitis testing or a liver function test? How should I protect people at home? Should I receive hepatitis A vaccination after this exposure, and which medicines should I avoid?