How is hepatitis A passed on?

Hepatitis A can be passed on through:

• Sexual contact with an infected person, men who have sex with men are at higher risk
• Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
• Using contaminated cutlery
• Touching contaminated surfaces and the placing your hands in or around your mouth
• Sharing sex toys with someone with the virus
• Sharing needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment

There is a higher chance of passing on hepatitis A if people infected with the disease have poor hygiene, for example, they don’t wash their hands every time they go to the toilet.

How do I know if I have Hepatitis A?

Some people with hepatitis A may experience:

• Feeling tired or generally unwell
• Joint and muscle pain
• A high temperature (fever)
• A loss of appetite; not feeling hungry, even at meal times
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal (tummy) pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine (wee) and pale bowel movements (poo)
• Itchy skin

How can hepatitis A be treated?

There is currently no cure for hepatitis A but the body is normally able to clear the virus on its own within a couple of months.

Should I test for hepatitis A?

If you think that you have hepatitis A it’s a good idea to get a blood test right away. You might not have symptoms but if you have been a situation that has increased risk such as drug use or unprotected sex with someone with the virus, it’s important you have your blood taken and tested.

Where can I test for hepatitis A?

You can get a test at a range of sexual health clinics (sometimes called GUMs) across Greater Manchester.

Sexual Health testing services in Greater Manchester.

You can also test at your GP or community services like LGBT Foundation’s full screening clinic for people who identify as men who have sex with men.