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Hepatitis A - Treatment

Alternative Names

Viral hepatitis

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver, including acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Fatty foods may cause vomiting, because secretions from the liver are needed to digest fats. Fatty foods are best avoided during the acute phase.

Expectations (prognosis):

The virus does not remain in the body after the infection has gone away.

Over 85% of people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months. Nearly all patients get better within 6 months.

There is a low risk of death, usually among the elderly and persons with chronic liver disease.

Complications:

There are usually no complications. One in a thousand cases become fulminant hepatitis, which can be life threatening.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis.

Digestive system

Fly

Hepatitis A

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 9/20/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008 Jan;121(1):219-20.

Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 7–18 Years--United States, 2008. MMWR. October 19, 2007 / 56(41);Q1-Q4.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, October 2007-September 2008. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Nov 20;147(10):725-9.

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