The main symptoms of hepatitis A are headache, feeling of general malaise, yellowish skin and eyes, dark urine, swollen belly, nausea, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen and constant low fever, for example, which can last up to 40 days to appear.
However, in most cases, infection with the hepatitis A virus does not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, and the infection is only noticed after carrying out blood tests that help assess liver function.
It is important to consult a hepatologist or gastroenterologist if hepatitis A is suspected, as this will allow the diagnosis to be made and the most appropriate treatment to begin. See how to cure hepatitis A.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of hepatitis A are:
- Yellow skin and eyes;
- Lighter or yellowish stools;
- Dark urine;
- Constant low fever;
- Pain in the upper right region of the abdomen;
- Loss of appetite;
- Tired easily and for no apparent reason;
- Swollen belly;
- Frequent nausea and dizziness;
- Joint pain.
Symptoms of hepatitis A may appear 15 to 40 days after infection with the virus, and may be more intense as the liver becomes inflamed. Normally, any of these symptoms disappear within 6 months, but during this period it is also possible for the disease to manifest itself in cycles, that is, to appear for a few weeks and disappear again, until completely cured.
Since the symptoms of the various types of hepatitis are very similar, it is important to consult a hepatologist to carry out the necessary tests and confirm that it is type A hepatitis, starting the most appropriate treatment. Check out the main types of hepatitis and what to do.
Make an appointment with your nearest doctor for a more detailed liver assessment:
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Symptom Test
If you are unsure whether or not you may have hepatitis A, select the symptoms in the test below and check your risk of having hepatitis:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a hepatologist, gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
When it can be serious
In most people, this type of hepatitis does not cause serious damage to the liver and disappears after a few months. However, in rare cases, liver damage can continue to increase until it causes liver failure, resulting in signs such as:
- Sudden and intense vomiting;
- Ease of bruising or bleeding;
- Increased irritability;
- Memory and concentration problems;
- Dizziness or confusion.
When any of these symptoms appear, it is recommended to go to the hospital immediately to assess liver function and begin treatment, which is normally done through lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt and protein in the diet, for example. Understand how hepatitis A is treated.
How transmission happens
The transmission of the hepatitis A virus, HAV, is through the fecal-oral route, that is, it occurs through the consumption of food and water contaminated by the virus. Therefore, to prevent transmission, it is important to always wash your hands, drink only treated water and improve hygiene and basic sanitation conditions. Another way to prevent HAV infection is through vaccination, the dose of which can be taken from 12 months onwards. Understand how the hepatitis A vaccine works.
It is important for people with hepatitis A to avoid coming into close contact with others for up to 1 week after the onset of symptoms because of how easily the virus transmits. Therefore, to reduce the risk of transmission, it is important to follow the treatment recommended by your doctor and have an adequate diet.
