It’s possible to get hepatitis A through contact with an infected person’s poop. This can occur a variety of ways, including the following:

• Having unprotected sex (especially oral-anal sex) with someone who has hepatitis A.
• Having oral-anal contact without a barrier with someone who has Hepatitis A.
• Contact with poop (feces) after fingering a partner’s anus or handling a used condom after anal sex and putting your fingers on or in your mouth.
• Eating food prepared by an infected person with poor hand hygiene practices.
• Drinking untreated water (this becomes more important when traveling).

The spread of hepatitis stops with proper basic hygiene. Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper and before preparing or eating food. A good washing of the genital and anal areas before sex, as well as the use of condoms and/or dental dams can help prevent transmission.

If you have hepatitis A, it’s possible to show no symptoms at all. When they do occur—usually within 15 – 50 days after the virus enters the body—the following symptoms can come on suddenly:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Dark Urine
• Pale poops
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Pain on right side of belly under rib cage—where your liver is — or abdominal discomfort

There are several types of hepatitis and symptoms often overlap. Because of this, a blood test is needed to tell if a person has Hepatitis A.

Yes

There are no specific treatments for Hepatitis A, it simply has to run its course. However, steps can be taken to manage symptoms and alleviate stress on the liver for the duration of the illness:

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Frequent small bland meals may help with nausea and poor appetite.
• Check with your doctor before taking any medications (prescription, over the counter, herbal).
• Avoid fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

No.

• Get vaccinated.
• Be aware when you travel to developing countries.
• Ensure proper hygiene and take precautions with food and drink.

Printable resource on Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Sheet