Hepatitis A: what to know

The virus is usually passed through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include feeling generally unwell, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, fever, pale stools or dark urine. Hepatitis A can also occur without obvious symptoms, particularly early in the illness.

A clinician may assess your symptoms, examine you and arrange blood tests, including a <a href="/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/">Liver Function Test</a>. Unlike some other forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not usually become a long-term infection, but recovery can take time.

Rest when needed, drink fluids and eat small meals if nausea or <a href="/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/">Loss of Appetite</a> makes eating difficult. Use medicines only after checking that they are suitable for your liver and avoid alcohol while unwell. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food; follow local medical advice about work, school and close contacts.

If you have had a possible exposure or are travelling to a higher-risk setting, ask about <a href="/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/">Hepatitis A Vaccination</a>. Vaccination advice depends on timing, health and exposure details.

Arrange prompt medical review for yellowing of the skin or eyes, <a href="/symptoms/dark-urine/">Dark Urine</a>, persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, unusual sleepiness or inability to drink. Seek emergency care for confusion, collapse, bleeding or severe dehydration. Tell the clinician about travel, food exposures, sick contacts and medicines.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long you may be contagious, which medicines and foods to avoid, and how to protect household contacts. If you have ongoing nausea or <a href="/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/">Feeling Generally Unwell</a>, ask what hydration and follow-up plan is appropriate.