HEPATITIS A can be a deadly disease that is caused by a virus spread in the poo of an infected person.
The infection causes your liver to become inflamed but some symptoms can be hard to spot.
GettyHepatitis A is caused by a viral infection that causes your liver to become inflamed[/caption]
If your eyes or skin become yellow, it could be a sign of the disease.
This is because when your liver isn’t working properly, it stops being able to get rid of bilirubin, a substance that causes jaundice.
Hepatitis A is rare in Britain but some groups are at a greater risk, so it is important you get checked if you suffer symptoms.
It is particularly common if you have been abroad in parts of the world with bad sanitation, including Africa, South Asia, the far East, Middle East and South America.
Men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs are also more likely to catch the infection.
Other symptoms of the disease include feeling tired and generally unwell, joint and muscle pain and a high temperature.
Losing your appetite, feeling or being sick and pain in the upper right part of your tummy could also be a sign of the condition.
It is an unpleasant illness but is not usually serious and most people make a full recovery in two months.
However, it can last several months in some people and also be deadly if it causes liver failure — when the organ stops working properly.
If you have symptoms, your GP can give you a blood test that will confirm an infection if you have it.
If you’ve recently been exposed to the virus, it is also worth being tested.
You can get the virus from eating food made by someone who has not washed their hands properly or from drinking dirty water.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms can include:
feeling tired and generally unwell
joint and muscle pain
a high temperature (fever)
loss of appetite
feeling or being sick
pain in the upper-right part of your tummy
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
dark urine and pale stools
itchy skin
Source: The NHS
Raw or uncooked shellfish from contaminated water or having close contact with someone with the virus can also put you at risk.
There are no treatments for Hepatitis A but you can get a vaccine if you are at risk of the disease.
Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease some of the symptoms and getting plenty of rest, avoiding alcohol and eating small meals are all recommended.
Patients are also encouraged to stick to cool, ventilated environments, wear loose clothing and not take hot baths.
If you suffer yellow eyes, you should stay off work or school and avoid having sex for at least a week, according to the NHS.
Washing your hands with soap and water regularly is also recommended.