Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus, and you can catch it from contaminated food or water or by being in close contact with someone who's infected. It's very contagious, meaning it's easy to spread from one person to another.
While hepatitis A can make you feel really sick, it's generally not a serious condition. The symptoms usually go away on their own, though it can take a few weeks to recover. On rare occasions, it can cause sudden liver failure, but this is uncommon. If this does happen, you would need to go to the hospital.
Hepatitis A is pretty rare in Australia because most people who are at risk have been vaccinated. Outbreaks do sometimes occur, especially linked to contaminated food, but it’s more common for people to get it while traveling overseas. Getting vaccinated before traveling can protect you from getting infected.
What are the symptoms?
If you catch hepatitis A, the symptoms usually show up about 2 to 4 weeks later. Adults tend to have worse symptoms than children, who often don’t have any. The symptoms can come on suddenly and might include:
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Feeling tired and weak
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A fever
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Diarrhea
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Itchy skin
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Pain or swelling in your belly, especially on the upper right side (where the liver is)
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Dark urine
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Pale or clay-colored stool
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Joint pain
Usually, the symptoms last a few weeks, but if it’s a severe case, you could be sick for months. If you or your child experience jaundice, very dark urine, a stomach ache that doesn't go away, or a rash, you should see a doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a blood test to confirm if you have hepatitis A.
How do you catch it?
Hepatitis A is spread through contact with the stool of an infected person, and you only need a tiny amount to get sick. It usually spreads through:
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Contaminated water
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Food washed with contaminated water
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Raw shellfish from polluted water
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An infected person handling food after using the toilet or changing a diaper
There can also be outbreaks linked to certain foods (like berries or shellfish) or at specific restaurants. It’s more common in areas with poor sanitation. You can also catch hepatitis A from close contact with an infected person, such as through oral or anal sex.
Can you prevent it?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A, especially if you have liver disease, as the virus can be more serious for people with liver conditions. If you’re diagnosed with liver disease, you should get vaccinated right away. You can even get a combined vaccine for both hepatitis A and B if needed.
The vaccine is highly effective, and you only need two shots. You can get the vaccine from your doctor.
It's also recommended for:
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Anyone with liver disease
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People with certain medical conditions or developmental disabilities
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in some areas of Australia
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People at risk due to their job
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Anyone over 1 year of age traveling to areas where hepatitis A is common
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People whose lifestyle puts them at higher risk
If you think you’ve been in contact with someone who has hepatitis A, see your doctor right away. If you’ve been exposed, an injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody) can help prevent you from getting sick, but it must be given within two weeks of exposure.
If you’re traveling to a developing country, make sure to:
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Get vaccinated before your trip
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Wash all fruits and vegetables with bottled water and peel them yourself
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Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish
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Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice
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Be careful with any drinks that might have been made with contaminated water
How to avoid spreading hepatitis A
If you have hepatitis A, it’s really important not to spread it to others. Here’s how to help prevent that:
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Don’t prepare or share food
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Don’t share eating utensils, towels, or bedding
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Avoid sexual contact
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Wash everything you use in hot, soapy water
Your doctor will let you know when it's safe to return to work or school. Generally, you’re infectious for about two weeks after your symptoms start.
Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before handling food or drinks!
How is it treated?
There's no specific medicine to treat hepatitis A. The best thing you can do is rest, stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid alcohol.
For people with any liver disease, it’s important to take care of your liver. Here’s how:
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Eat a balanced diet, avoiding too much sugar or ultra-processed foods
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Be physically active
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Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol
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Avoid drinking alcohol, as it puts extra strain on your liver
Before taking any new medicines, supplements, or herbs, talk to your doctor to make sure they’re safe for your liver
FAQ
1. Can I get hepatitis A from a handshake or hug?
No, hepatitis A is not spread through casual contact like shaking hands or hugging. It spreads through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the virus or by close contact with an infected person's stool.
2. How long after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus. This period is called the incubation period. During this time, you might not feel sick, but you could still spread the virus.
3. Can children get hepatitis A?
Yes, children can get hepatitis A, but they often have milder symptoms or may not show any symptoms at all. In adults, the symptoms tend to be more severe. It's important for children who are at risk (such as those traveling to areas where hepatitis A is common) to be vaccinated.
4. Can I still get hepatitis A if I have been vaccinated?
The hepatitis A vaccine is very effective, but no vaccine is 100% guaranteed. However, it significantly reduces your risk of contracting the virus. If you’ve received the full vaccination series (two doses), your chances of getting hepatitis A are very low.
5. Is there any treatment for hepatitis A?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. The best way to recover is by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol. Most people recover on their own, but if symptoms are severe or complications arise, you might need to go to the hospital.
