Hepatitis A information sheet
Updated 15 December 2025
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About hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that affects the liver. There is no treatment for it, but most people get better within 6 months. In rare cases, some people may get serious liver disease. Vaccination and good hygiene are the best ways to avoid getting infected.
Causes and spread
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus. The virus lives in the poo of an infected person. It can survive on surfaces for several hours and can stay on hands and on food for longer. It spreads easily between people.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- a high temperature
- flu-like symptoms
- sickness
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
- grey poo or dark brown pee
Some children show no symptoms but can still infect others.
How you get infected
You can get hepatitis A from:
- drinking unclean water
- eating contaminated food
- close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex or sharing needles for drug use
Prevent the spread
Wash your hands with soap and water:
- after going to the toilet
- before eating or preparing meals
- after dealing with dirty nappies or sick people and their clothing
You are most likely to pass on the virus for 7 days after your symptoms start.
Vaccination
You can get the hepatitis A vaccine if you:
- have been in close physical contact with an infected person within the past 2 weeks
- are travelling to a country where hepatitis A is more common
- have long-term liver disease or haemophilia
- are a man who has sex with men
- work in a job that puts you at high risk of infection, such as a sewage worker
Learn more about hepatitis A
Visit the NHS website for more information about hepatitis A and its symptoms at Hepatitis A.