Symptoms

The symptoms of hepatitis A develop, on average, around four weeks after becoming infected, although not everyone with the infection will experience them. See your GP if you think you could have been infected with the virus. A Blood tests will be needed to rule out more serious conditions that have similar symptoms. Initial symptoms The initial symptoms of hepatitis A caninclude: feelingtiredand generallyunwell joint and muscle pain a mildfever usually no higher than 39C (102.2F) 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 symptomsusually 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 urine pale stools 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 six months. Signs of a serious problem Hepatitis A isn't usually a serious illness, but in rarecases itcan cause the liver to stop working properly (liver failure). In addition to the symptoms above, 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 experience these symptoms. Liver failure can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.