Syphilis
Understand stages, antibody tests, RPR follow-up and treatment.
Read the guideKauri Health Clinic · BTS Punnawithi
Hepatitis A: transmission, symptoms and prevention
Understand food-borne and sexual exposure, recovery and vaccination.
- Infection type
- Viral infection
- Relevant sample
- Blood testing
- Treatment outlook
- Usually resolves; does not become chronic
Is hepatitis A sexually transmitted or food-borne?
Both routes are possible because the underlying route is faecal–oral. Infection can follow contaminated food or water, close household contact, or sexual activity that brings contaminated hands, skin or objects to the mouth. It is not mainly spread through blood or semen in the way hepatitis B can be. Hepatitis A belongs in a sexual-health discussion when the type of contact creates that exposure, not because every case is sexually acquired.
What are hepatitis A symptoms, and when do they appear?
Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools and yellow skin or eyes. They usually develop 15–50 days after infection, averaging about 28 days. Children often have few or no symptoms. Someone can pass the virus on before becoming visibly ill, so an apparently well contact does not rule out exposure. Jaundice needs medical assessment to identify the cause.
How long does hepatitis A last?
Illness usually resolves within 2 months, although symptoms can last or relapse for up to 6 months in some people. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic infection. After recovery, protective antibodies usually remain for life. A positive immunity antibody result can therefore reflect a past infection or vaccination, not ongoing hepatitis. People with existing liver disease can become more seriously unwell and benefit from early medical assessment.
Which blood tests check for hepatitis A?
IgM anti-HAV helps identify a recent infection when symptoms and exposure fit. IgG anti-HAV or total anti-HAV can help assess previous exposure or immunity, but total antibody alone cannot establish acute hepatitis A. Liver tests show inflammation rather than naming the virus. These are educational test descriptions: hepatitis A testing is not listed in Kauri's current STI packages or individual-test menu. Ask about an appropriate assessment if hepatitis A is your concern.
How is hepatitis A treated?
There is no specific antiviral medicine routinely used to cure hepatitis A. Care focuses on hydration, adequate nutrition, rest and monitoring while the immune system clears the virus. Avoid alcohol and discuss medicines or supplements that may affect the liver. Severe vomiting, dehydration, confusion or worsening jaundice needs urgent care. Antibiotics used for syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia do not treat hepatitis A.
Can hepatitis A be prevented after exposure?
Hepatitis A vaccine and, for some people, immune globulin can prevent illness when arranged within 2 weeks of exposure. Seek advice promptly instead of waiting for symptoms; the choice depends on vaccination history, age and health. For ongoing prevention, vaccination, handwashing with soap and water, and food and water hygiene are important.
Patient questions
Hepatitis A: common questions
Does Kauri's four-infection blood panel include hepatitis A?
No. It covers HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Anti-HCV is a hepatitis C antibody test, not a hepatitis A test. The urine panels do not check for hepatitis A either.
Does hepatitis A turn into hepatitis B?
No. They are caused by different viruses, have different main transmission routes and require different tests. Having immunity to hepatitis A does not automatically protect against hepatitis B.
STI clinical references
Updated 17 October 2026. Educational information based on the clinical sources below; Kauri supplied the listed service availability and prices. Your assessment determines the tests and treatment appropriate for you.
Kauri Health Clinic · BTS Punnawithi
Plan a confidential visit at BTS Punnawithi
Kauri Health Clinic is at BTS Punnawithi, 3063 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00–18:00; closed Sunday and Monday. Tell us your concern, when any exposure happened and whether you have symptoms. Bring previous results and a list of medicines; the team will explain preparation and next steps privately.
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