How is hepatitis A spread? By water and food contaminated by infected faeces, close personal contact, or oral-anal sex.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? Symptoms usually appear about 4 weeks after infection, and include:

• tiredness
• body aches and pains
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• fever and chills
• upper belly pain
• yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

How do you get tested for hepatitis A? A blood test.

What is the treatment for hepatitis A? There is no specific treatment, unless you get treated within 2 weeks of infection.

Plenty of rest and a good diet are important.

How can you minimise the risk of contracting hepatitis A? Always use a protective barrier (a dental dam) to prevent oral-anal contact.

Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination.