hepatitis A
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
exclude until a medical certificate is provided, or for at least 7 days after the onset of jaundice
symptoms
- •fever
- •fatigue and general malaise
- •nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- •abdominal pain
- •dark urine
- •jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) — may not occur in young children
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return once a doctor provides clearance, or at least 7 days after jaundice onset. young children may not show jaundice.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts may need hepatitis A vaccination — check with the public health unit
treatment notes for parents
no specific treatment — rest and fluids. hepatitis A is a notifiable disease. the public health unit will provide guidance on contact management. vaccination is available but not on the standard NIP (it is funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in some areas). good hand hygiene is essential.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.