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Hepatitis A

Overview

Open all pages about Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that's spread in poo. It's mostly caught from infected food and drink in places where the infection is more common.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis A, but you only need to get vaccinated if you are at high-risk of catching it or getting seriously ill.

Symptoms of hepatitis A can include a high temperature, feeling or being sick, tummy pain, pale coloured poo and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Hepatitis A usually gets better on its own within 3 to 6 months. Some people may need medicines to help ease the symptoms.

You can help ease the symptoms of hepatitis A by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, taking painkillers like ibuprofen and avoiding alcohol.

Hepatitis A is a type of liver infection. It is not common in the UK, but common in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America.

Page last reviewed: 23/10/2022
Next review due: 23/10/2025