When To Call a Doctor
Contact a doctor immediately if a person diagnosed with hepatitis A develops severe dehydration (caused by vomiting and an inability to hold down fluids) or any signs of rapidly developing liver failure, which include:
- Extreme irritability (greater than would be expected when a person is ill).
- Impaired ability to think clearly or reason.
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Swelling of the face, hands, feet, ankles, legs, arms, or abdomen (edema).
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum (including blood in stools), or under the skin.
Call a doctor today if:
- Any of the signs or symptoms of hepatitis A develop. For more information, see the Symptoms section of this topic.
- Someone in your household has been diagnosed with hepatitis A.
- You have eaten in a restaurant or any other dining facility known to be the source of an outbreak of hepatitis A.
- A child or another family member has been in a day care center or another institution where a hepatitis A outbreak has occurred.
- Your sex partner has been diagnosed with hepatitis A.
- You are planning a trip to a foreign country or have any other reason to believe you should be vaccinated against hepatitis A. Plan for vaccination 6 months before travel, if possible. If time is running short, getting vaccinated at least 1 month before travel offers some protection, and 2 weeks before travel may also be helpful.3
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting, or surveillance, is not advised if you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) or if you have symptoms of the illness.
It is important to see a doctor when symptoms develop, because all forms of viral hepatitis have similar symptoms. Only a blood test can determine whether you have hepatitis A or another hepatitis virus. A doctor also can advise you about how to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
Who To See
Most of the time, the following health professionals can diagnose and treat hepatitis A:
If complications develop, you may need care from:
- A gastroenterologist.
- A liver specialist (hepatologist).
- An infectious disease specialist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
