Hepatitis A

Alternative names:

acute viral hepatitis A

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 (hepatotoxic).

Expectations (prognosis):

Most people recover fully; within 1 to 2 months the liver is healed. Hepatitis A virus rarely becomes a chronic infection.

Complications:

There are usually no complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate you may have hepatitis A.