Hepatitis A is a temporary liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms include diarrhea, dark urine, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, pain, and jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin.
If you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, you may be able to take prophylactic (preventative) treatment for hepatitis A. If you’ve already developed the infection, there is no specific medication to cure hepatitis A. It usually resolves on its own with time. What you can do is focus on relieving your symptoms until the virus clears from your system.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can help prevent hepatitis A infection if you get treatment within two weeks after being exposed to the virus. Potential exposure can occur through:
- Consuming contaminated food from a restaurant with a confirmed hepatitis A outbreak
- Eating food linked to a hepatitis A contamination recall notice
- Close personal contact with someone who has a hepatitis A infection
- Traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A infections
PEP is suitable if you haven’t already had the hepatitis A vaccine or a previous hepatitis A infection. PEP treatment protocols vary based on age. For anyone older than 1 year, PEP involves getting the hepatitis A vaccine. If you’re over 40, it may involve getting hepatitis A virus-specific immune globulin, antibodies that help your immune system.
PEP side effects can include mild soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These effects are typically mild and short-lived.
Your body’s immune system typically fights and clears a hepatitis A infection by itself over time. Supportive measures at home help your body’s natural healing processes. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following.
Rest
Hepatitis A can cause fatigue, making daily tasks feel exhausting. Getting enough rest helps your body focus on recovery. It can also help strengthen your immune system to fight the infection.
If you are employed, resting may seem more challenging. To get enough rest, you may want to ask your employer for flexible time off, more frequent breaks, or a modified work schedule. It may help to shorten your work day and reduce the amount of strenuous activity you perform.
Hydration
Some hepatitis A symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, can cause you to lose more fluids than you replace. This increases your risk of dehydration.
Drinking enough fluids can help keep you hydrated and replace lost electrolytes. Good options for rehydrating include water, bone broth, and electrolyte replacement beverages such as sugar-free sports drinks.
Balanced Diet
Consuming plenty of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can support your liver health and help you heal.
Your diet may also help you manage some symptoms. For example, limiting your intake of foods that are high in fat may help prevent nausea and vomiting when you have hepatitis A.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking while your body fights hepatitis A. Alcohol and smoking can cause liver inflammation and may worsen your symptoms or slow down your healing.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications, including over-the-counter medications. Some dietary supplements or herbal remedies, such as green tea extract, may also increase the risk of liver damage. Pain relievers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), may harm your liver or worsen liver inflammation.
No antiviral drug exists yet to treat hepatitis A. To help you feel better while you heal from the infection, healthcare providers can recommend medications to help relieve your symptoms. For example, they may prescribe medications to help control fever and reduce vomiting.
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms. They can give you advice on which medications to use and which to avoid to ensure you don’t take anything that could harm your liver.
Most people with hepatitis A fully recover within a few weeks to months. Unlike chronic (long-term) hepatitis or other forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease or other long-term complications in most cases. After recovery, you’ll have lifelong immunity (protection) against the virus, so you won’t get it again.
While most people recover within two months, 10-15% of people with hepatitis A may experience prolonged or relapsing (recurring or worsening) illness. Symptoms may come and go for up to six months. This can lead to ongoing fatigue and digestive issues.
Hepatitis A rarely leads to acute liver failure, liver failure without previous cirrhosis, in older adults, and people with pre-existing liver disease. Acute liver failure may require hospitalization or a liver transplant for some people.
Hepatitis A is temporary, but it can take several weeks to months before you feel better. Self-care can help you manage symptoms and support your body while it fights the infection.
Prioritize habits such as getting plenty of rest, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol, fatty foods, and smoking. Take medications, including over-the-counter medications, only as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
If you have symptoms of hepatitis A or have been diagnosed, you can speak to your healthcare provider about what treatment strategies they recommend for you.
