Hepatitis A Treatment

For people who have hepatitis A, treatment typically consists of relieving the symptoms associated with the disease while the body fights the infection. Because there is nothing that can kill the virus, no specific medicines are used. Suggestions for hepatitis A treatment include drinking plenty of fluids, getting lots of rest, and avoiding alcohol completely.

 

An Overview of Hepatitis A Treatment

There is no special hepatitis A treatment, and most people recover within a few months. However, there are some things you can do that might help you feel better. There are also certain things that you should avoid.
 

Specific Hepatitis A Treatment Suggestions

Key aspects of hepatitis A treatment include the following:
 
 
  • Get enough calories. Many people with hepatitis A get nauseous, especially late in the day. In order to get enough calories, try eating the majority of your calories early in the day. Eating several small meals throughout the day (instead of three large meals) may also be helpful. If you feel sick in the morning, try eating some crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed. It may also help to drink lemon water or have a lemon drop.
     
  • Get plenty of rest. It's important to get as much rest as you can while your body fights off the virus.
     
  • Drink plenty of fluids. You should try and drink at least 10 to 16 glasses a day of water, clear juices, or other drinks that do not have caffeine in them.
     
  • Avoid medicines that can harm the liver. Talk to your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
     
  • Avoid alcohol. Alcohol poisons your liver and can cause even more damage to the cells that are already fighting the hepatitis A virus. The exact amount of alcohol that will harm the liver isn't known. Therefore, it's generally recommended that people with hepatitis A avoid alcohol completely.
     
  • Exercise regularly. Do light to moderate exercise, such as walking, for 30 minutes a day.
     
Once a person has recovered from a hepatitis A infection, the virus is no longer present in the body. It is rare for there to be long-term liver damage.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD