Currently there are no specific medicines for the treatment of infection with hepatitis A. Infection with hepatitis A virus is mostly a self-limiting disease in most people and just symptomatic treatment is needed.
[Read: Symptoms of Hepatitis A]
Symptomatic treatment
- Your doctor will advise you to take plenty of oral fluids. If you are not able to retain oral fluids due to frequent vomiting, you may be given IV fluid to help you feel better.
- Medications to treat nausea and vomiting are given if they are significant or troublesome.
- Fever reducing medications (acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver. Do not take medications to reduce fever without consulting your doctor).
Most people with HAV infection after diagnosis can be cared for at home. If the symptoms are severe (such as dehydration, confusion, or difficult to stay awake), then admission to a hospital for treatment will be needed.
[Read: Causes of Hepatitis A]
Immune globulin
For people exposed to someone with HAV infection, treatment with a medication called immune globulin may prevent the infection. Treatment with immune globulin is most likely to be effective if administered within 2 weeks of exposure.
Follow-up
After the acute symptoms resolve it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for further care. These include:
- Getting adequate rest.
- Taking plenty of clear fluids.
- Eating healthy and nutritious diet
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Not taking medicines without consulting your doctor (over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen can also be harmful to the liver).
- Avoiding strenuous physical exercise until your symptoms improve.
Consult your doctor any time you think your symptoms are probably worsening or when a new symptom appears.
Read more articles on Hepatitis A.
