References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that spreads through the faecal-oral route — usually contaminated food or water, but also through sexual activities involving oral-anal contact (rimming). Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn’t become chronic and most people recover fully. A highly effective vaccine is available.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | Hepatitis A virus (HAV) |
| Transmission | Faecal-oral route, contaminated food/water, sexual contact |
| Vaccine | Yes — highly effective |
| Chronic infection | No — always resolves |
| Severity | Usually mild; rarely severe in older adults |
Symptoms
- Fever and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Dark urine, pale stools
- Many children have no symptoms
Sexual Transmission
Hepatitis A can spread through rimming (oral-anal contact) and has caused outbreaks in MSM communities. Vaccination is recommended for all MSM.
Treatment
- No specific antiviral treatment
- Supportive care (rest, fluids)
- Most people recover within weeks to months
- Lifelong immunity after infection
Prevention
- Vaccination — free for MSM and travellers to high-risk areas
- Good hand hygiene
- Safe food and water practices when travelling
- Awareness of sexual transmission routes
Read more: Hepatitis B and C | Vaccine-preventable STIs | Faecal contact and STIs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hepatitis A an STI?
Not traditionally, but it can spread through sexual contact.
Can I catch it twice?
No — recovery gives lifelong immunity.
Is vaccination free?
Yes for MSM and some other groups on the NHS.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
- What Is Hepatitis B?
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
