Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the poo of an infected person. Most people who get it get better within a few months.
Hepatitis A is not common in the UK but it is common in other parts of the world.
How you can get hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in poo.
The infection is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America.
You can get hepatitis A from:
- drinking unclean water
- eating food that's been washed or grown in unclean water
- eating food that's been handled by an infected person
- close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex and sharing needles to take drugs
How to prevent hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of getting infected is low.
You only need to get a vaccine if you are at high risk of catching or getting seriously ill from hepatitis A. For example:
- you are travelling to a country where hepatitis A is common – you may need to pay for a hepatitis A vaccine for travel
- you have recently been in close physical contact with someone with hepatitis A
- you have long-term liver disease
- you have a blood clotting disorder, such some people with haemophilia
- you are a man who has sex with men
- your job puts you at risk of infection – for example, you’re a healthcare worker or a sewage worker
Speak to your GP if you think you need a hepatitis A vaccine. If your job puts you at risk, your employer should organise your vaccination.
If you are travelling abroad, get advice from a travel clinic, GP, nurse, or pharmacist before you go.
Other ways to reduce your risk
You can also help prevent hepatitis A when travelling by:
- washing your hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food
- drinking bottled water
- avoiding eating shellfish and uncooked fruit and vegetables
- using a condom or dam when having sex
Symptoms of hepatitis A
Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include:
- a high temperature
- flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle pains
- feeling sick or being sick
- pain in your upper tummy
- diarrhoea or constipation
- pale yellow or pale grey poo
- dark brown pee
- itchy skin – you may also have a raised rash (hives)
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Most children, and some adults, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
You have symptoms of hepatitis A and:
- you've recently travelled to a country where hepatitis A is common
- you've recently been in close contact with someone with hepatitis A
- you have a blood clotting disorder, such as haemophilia
- you're a man who has sex with men
- you've shared needles when taking drugs
- your job puts you at risk of infection
Tell the GP that you think you might have hepatitis A.
Treatment for hepatitis A
Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within 3 to 6 months.
Your doctor may offer you medicines to help with the symptoms, such as painkillers or medicines to stop you feeling sick or itchy.
A small number of people with hepatitis A may get liver problems. You may need blood tests to check your liver is working properly.
Things you can do if you have hepatitis A
There are some things you can do when you have hepatitis A to help ease the symptoms, and to stop infecting others.
Important: How long you're infectious
You're usually infectious for either:
- 7 days after yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) started
- 7 days after your symptoms started, if you've not had jaundice
Page last reviewed: 24 October 2022
Next review due: 24 October 2025