Hepatitis A outbreak information
Updated 25 May 2023
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What hepatitis A infection is
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can be easily spread between people. You can have vaccinations to protect you from hepatitis A.
How hepatitis A is spread
Hepatitis A can be easily spread between people by:
- drinking or eating contaminated fluids or food
- close contact with someone with hepatitis A
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis A can last up to 2 months. Most people with hepatitis A do not have a long-lasting illness. Older people and those with health problems, like liver disease, are more at risk of getting sick from hepatitis A.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- fever
- tiredness
- being off your food
- feeling sick or nauseous
- stomach pain
- yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- dark pee, pale poop or diarrhoea
If you have any symptoms, stay inside – don’t go to work, school or visit friends and family.
What you should do if you get sick
-
get plenty of rest and eat small, light meals to avoid feeling sick
-
practise good hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and hot water regularly
-
avoid alcohol to reduce the strain on your liver
-
stay home to avoid passing it on to other people as it spreads through contact
If your symptoms get worse though, then you should give the NHS 111 number a call or speak to your GP.
What you should do if you have been in contact with someone with hepatitis A
Seek medical attention and tell them if you have been in contact with someone with hepatitis A. You may be offered a vaccine to protect you from hepatitis A.