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HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Hepatitis A

Pokenga ate A

Hepatitis A is a virus that causes inflammation of your liver.

It is usually spread through contact with infected poo (faeces). This can either be from an infected person or through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis A is not very common in New Zealand, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include:

Preventing hepatitis A

The best way to avoid hepatitis A is to be vaccinated, keep your hands clean and pay attention to food safety.

Symptoms of hepatitis A

Some people with hepatitis A may have few or no symptoms. Others may be unwell with flu-like symptoms. These can include fever, nausea (feeling sick), tummy pain, loss of appetite and tiredness. After this, their skin and the whites of their eyes may become yellow (also called jaundice). The jaundice usually clears after 1 to 3 weeks.

People with hepatitis A are most infectious (likely to pass the virus on) in the 2 weeks before they get any symptoms until 1 week after they have jaundice.

Diagnosing hepatitis A

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and travel history. They will also check your immunisation status. They can look for physical signs of hepatitis A, such as yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice). They may suggest you have a blood test, such as liver function tests.

Treating hepatitis A

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A and most people make a complete recovery.

To reduce the risk of other people becoming infected, you should stay home. You should not prepare food for other people for 7 days after jaundice has started.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2024.

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Page reference: 55302

Review key: HIHEP-49691