What is an early sign of hepatitis A?

Anorexia is an early sign of hepatitis A. This condition involves a loss of appetite and is commonly one of the first symptoms that individuals with hepatitis A experience. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver, and the body's response to the infection often leads to gastrointestinal symptoms, with anorexia being prominent.

While other symptoms can appear later or alongside anorexia, such as headache, jaundice, and chills, they are generally either more specific or indicate more advanced stages of the infection. Jaundice, for instance, is a later sign, indicating liver dysfunction and the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Thus, recognizing anorexia in conjunction with other symptoms can help in the early identification of hepatitis A.