Hepatitis A factsheet
Introduction
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It spreads by faecal-oral transfer. This is when tiny traces of poo from a person with a hepatitis A infection get into someone’s mouth through:
- food
- water
- contact with hands
- contact with objects.
This commonly happens through activities like:
- eating raw, frozen or undercooked food that is contaminated
- drinking contaminated water
- touching soiled nappies, towels or linen from someone with the virus
- sharing personal or hygiene items with someone who has the virus
- sexual contact.
Signs and symptoms
Young children often don’t have symptoms, but they can still spread the virus.
If symptoms do appear, they can start 1–2 months after infection and may include:
- fever
- nausea
- stomach pain
- dark urine
- jaundice - yellow skin and eyes.
Symptoms can be more serious in children with weak immune systems or liver problems.
A child with hepatitis A can spread the infection:
- 2 weeks before symptoms start
- 1 week after jaundice begins
- 2 weeks after symptoms start, if there is no jaundice.
Symptoms can last for several weeks. The virus can stay in a child’s poo for longer.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hepatitis A, a doctor will:
- check medical and immunisation history
- ask about recent travel
- do a physical check
- order a blood test
Treatment
Most children recover within weeks or months. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing the spread of infection.
Treatment can include:
- rest
- eating small meals more often
- drinking fluids
- reviewing any medications that affect the liver with your child's doctor
- avoiding alcohol.
Speak to your doctor if your child has been around someone with hepatitis A and hasn’t been vaccinated or previously infected.
Management
Hepatitis A vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against infection. It is recommended for children:
- over 12 months travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common
- who have been in close contact with someone infected
- with developmental disabilities
- with liver disease or a liver transplant.
It is also recommended for teenagers and young people who:
- Work in areas with a higher risk of infection:
- plumbers and sewage workers
- working with young children
- working with people with disabilities and high support needs.
- inject drugs
- have anal sex
- are in prison or juvenile justice settings.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 12–24 months living in high-risk areas can receive the vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.
The hepatitis A vaccine is given as multiple injections over a six to 12-month period.
The vaccine is given as:
- two separate doses if it’s the hepatitis A vaccine only
- three separate doses if combined with hepatitis B
A missed dose does not mean your child will need to restart the schedule. They will be able to continue with the next vaccine.
Children who have been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A may be given an immunoglobulin instead of a vaccine if they:
- are under 12 months
- have a weakened immune system.
Common side effects of the vaccine include:
Reducing the risk of hepatitis A
Good hygiene helps stop the spread of hepatitis A.
Support your child and other family members to:
- wash hands with soap and warm water before and after:
- eating or preparing food
- using the toilet
- changing nappies
- wiping someone else’s bottom
- dry hands with a clean towel or paper towel
- clean bathrooms and toilets often, including seats, handles and taps.
Teenagers and young adults who are sexually active should:
- use condoms or dental dams during sex (including oral, anal, vaginal or fingers)
- avoid sex with someone who has hepatitis A
- talk to a doctor or sexual health clinic about safe sex and testing.
Hepatitis A and travel
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended before travelling to countries with:
- lower hygiene standards
- poor access to clean water
Speak to your doctor before travelling to these countries, and:
- drink bottled water with unbroken seals
- avoid drinks with ice or served unpackaged
- don’t eat raw fruit or vegetables unless you prepare them
- avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish
- eat hot, freshly cooked food
- avoid unpasteurised dairy
- avoid food from street vendors
- boil water from rivers or other untreated sources.
What to do if you get hepatitis A
If your child or someone close to them gets hepatitis A:
- stop preparing food and drinks for others
- don’t share eating utensils
- don’t share towels or bed linen.
Talk to your doctor about when your child can return to school or work.
Resources and more information
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Hepatitis NSW
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Hepatitis Australia
