Hepatitis A
About
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually a short-term illness and does not lead to long-term infection, but it can make people feel very unwell for weeks or even months. It spreads through the faecal-oral route, which means the virus is passed on when tiny traces of infected poo enter the mouth, often through close contact, contaminated food or water, or poor hand hygiene. A safe and effective vaccine is available.
Symptoms
tiredness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dark urine, pale poo, jaundice, joint pain, itching
Transmission
Hepatitis A spreads when a person swallows the virus from contaminated food or water, from unwashed hands, or through close personal or sexual contact with someone who has the infection, especially contact involving the anal area. It can also spread in settings where sanitation and hand washing are poor.
Prevention
Get vaccinated if recommended, wash hands well after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food, avoid food and water that may be contaminated, practise safer sex, especially where there may be contact with the anal area, and do not prepare food for others if you are unwell.
Treatment & Resources
Supportive care for hepatitis A
Hepatitis A usually gets better on its own, so treatment focuses on helping your body recover while easing symptoms. There is no specific antiviral medicine for hepatitis A. Most people recover fully within a few weeks, although some may feel tired for longer.
Find Supports near you
You can get tested across Ireland
Find resources and supports in your local community.