Overview
Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread through food and water contaminated with human waste, making it common where sanitation is poor. It causes a bout of jaundice with tiredness, nausea and yellow eyes, and is especially common in children, who may have mild illness. Unlike hepatitis B, it does not become a long-term infection and almost everyone recovers fully. Clean water, good hygiene and a vaccine prevent it.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Discomfort over the liver and low fever
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for yellow eyes, dark urine or persistent vomiting so the liver can be checked and you can rest and recover safely.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Persistent vomiting, confusion, drowsiness or worsening deep jaundice — seek care urgently
Causes
The hepatitis A virus, spread through contaminated food and water and poor hand hygiene, especially in crowded conditions.