Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A (HAV) is usually a mild infection and many people with HAV infection may not have any symptoms. HAV infection is more likely to be symptomatic in older people and young children. Infected people who do not develop symptoms can also transmit infection to others. Symptoms of hepatitis A usually develop about 4 weeks after infection (can range from 2 to 6 weeks). The most common symptoms of Hepatitis A infection are as follows:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhoea, (more common in children).
• Fever usually low grade.
• Loss of appetite.
• Rash.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Jaundice (skin and the whites of the eyes appear yellow).
• Dark coloured urine (dark yellow, brownish in colour, like cola or strong tea).
• Pain in abdomen (in the region of liver that is on the right side, just below the rib cage).

If you have frequent or recurrent vomiting, dehydration may occur. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are:

• Feeling weak, tired, or lethargic.
• Difficulty in concentration.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Decrease in frequency of urination.
• Irritability.
• Headache.

Symptoms of HAV infection usually last less than two months, but can continue for months (as long as nine months). According to some studies, in 15% people, symptoms of HAV infection come and go for 6-9 months. Most people with HAV infection recover without treatment.

Read some articles on Hepatitis A Signs and Symptoms