Symptoms of hepatitis A 

 

The symptoms of hepatitis A develop, on average, around four weeks after becoming infected, although not everyone with the infection will experience them.

See your GP if you think you could have been infected with the virus. A blood test will be needed to rule out more serious conditions that have similar symptoms.

Initial symptoms

The initial symptoms of hepatitis A can include:

• feeling tired and generally unwell
• joint and muscle pain
• a mild fever – usually no higher than 39C (102.2F)
• loss of appetite
• feeling or being sick
• pain in the upper-right part of your tummy
• a headache, sore throat and cough
• constipation or diarrhoea
• a raised, itchy rash (hives)

These symptoms usually last from a few days up to a couple of weeks.

Later symptoms

After the initial symptoms, the following symptoms may develop:

• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• dark urine
• pale stools
• itchy skin
• the upper-right part of your tummy becoming swollen and tender

Most people make a full recovery within a couple of months, although the symptoms can come and go for up to six months.

Signs of a serious problem

Hepatitis A isn't usually a serious illness, but in rare cases it can cause the liver to stop working properly (liver failure).

In addition to the symptoms above, signs of liver failure can include:

• sudden, severe vomiting
• a tendency to bruise and bleed easily (for example, frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
• irritability
• problems with memory and concentration
• drowsiness and confusion

Get medical advice as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms. Liver failure can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.