Symptoms

The symptoms of hepatitis A develop, on average, around 4 weeks after becoming infected. But not everyone with the infection has symptoms.

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 raised temperature
• 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 pee
• pale poo
• 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 6 months.

Signs of a serious problem

Hepatitis A is not usually serious, but in rare cases it can cause the liver to stop working properly (liver failure).

As well as the symptoms mentioned, 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 have these symptoms. Liver failure can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

Page last reviewed: Fri Mar 2022 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020