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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It usually clears on its own and does not cause long-term liver damage.
Causes & risk factors
- Hepatitis A virus in contaminated food or water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Eating raw or undercooked shellfish
- Close contact with an infected person
- Common where clean water is limited
Common symptoms
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
Tests & diagnosis
- Liver function test (LFT)
- Hepatitis A antibody test
- Bilirubin
- Full blood count (CBC)
Treatment & management
- Rest and plenty of fluids
- Eating light, easily digested food
- Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medicines
- Most people recover fully in a few weeks
- Vaccination and safe food/water to prevent it
When to see a doctor urgently
- Deep jaundice with confusion or drowsiness — urgent care
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Severe abdominal pain or easy bruising/bleeding
- Symptoms worsening rather than improving
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hepatitis a. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Does hepatitis A cause long-term liver damage?
No. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not become chronic and usually clears completely with rest.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes, a safe and effective vaccine is available and is worth considering, especially before travel to high-risk areas.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.