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· Gastroenterology
Hepatitis A
Food-and-water-borne liver infection
A liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It usually resolves fully without lasting liver damage and is preventable by vaccine.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common where sanitation is poor
- Typical age
- Children and young adults
- Outlook
- Self-limiting; vaccine preventable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Hepatitis A virus
- Contaminated food or water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Close contact with infected people
- Raw or undercooked shellfish
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
- Tiredness and poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Pain in the upper-right abdomen
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Rest and good hydration
- Nutritious, light diet
- Avoid alcohol and liver-stressing drugs
- Supportive care; no specific antiviral
- Vaccination of close contacts
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Drink safe, boiled or filtered water
- Wash hands after the toilet
- Eat freshly cooked food
- Get the hepatitis A vaccine
Do’s
- Drink safe water and eat hot food
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Get vaccinated if at risk
- Rest until energy returns
Don’ts
- Drink alcohol while recovering
- Eat raw shellfish or street food when at risk
- Share food or utensils when infected
- Take paracetamol in high doses
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.