What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms
Older children and adults typically have symptoms. If symptoms develop, they can appear abruptly and can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
See more: Anonymous Hepatitis A Symptom Checker
Most children younger than age 6 do not have symptoms when they have Hepatitis A. When symptoms are present, young children typically do not have jaundice, but older children and adults with Hepatitis A do.
Get tested for Hepatitis A (HAV)
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See Tests & PricingHow soon after exposure to Hepatitis A will symptoms appear?
If symptoms occur, they usually start appearing 4 weeks after exposure, but can occur as early as 2 and as late as 7 weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days.
How long do Hepatitis A symptoms last?
Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people (10%–15%) with Hepatitis A can have symptoms for as long as 6 months.
Mark Riegel, MD
Quick snapshot
Can it be cured?
No. There are no specific medicines to cure infection with Hepatitis A.
How is treated?
It can be treated by avoiding sexual contact and maintaining good hygienic conditions, using proper diet and visiting health care providers on time.
Recovery Time
Recovery from symptoms following infection may take several weeks and can even extend up to several months.
Can I have sex?
No. Sexual activity should be avoided until treatment is successful.
Can I get re-infected?
Yes. Re-infection is possible from sexual activity with an infected person.