Treatment of Hep A Infection: Hepatitis A Recovery and Healing
Infectious DiseasesHepatitis A
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Hepatitis A Treatment: A Complete Guide

Hepatitis A Treatment: A Complete Guide
Everyday Health
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Published on October 3, 2024
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There are no specific treatments for hepatitis A, a liver disease that’s caused by the hepatitis A virus and marked by inflammation of the liver. The virus is most often transmitted via contaminated food and water. Risk of transmission is increased with travel to certain countries that don’t have access to proper sanitation.

In most cases, hepatitis A symptoms (feeling poorly overall, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itchy skin, dark urine, jaundice) go away on their own after about two to three months, and nearly everyone recovers within six months. There is no lasting liver damage. You also develop lifelong immunity to hepatitis A.

As your immune system battles the virus, there are certain steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Medication

There isn’t a cure or specific treatment for a hepatitis A infection.

People should limit use of over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and not exceed 2,000 milligrams (mg) a day.

If you have hepatitis A, don’t take any medication, including over-the-counter drugs, without checking with your doctor first.

Surgery

Surgery for hepatitis A is rare.

In very rare cases, hepatitis A can cause sudden liver failure. This is more common in elderly people, people with HIV, people taking immunosuppressants, and people with preexisting liver problems. Some people who develop liver failure may need an urgent liver transplant.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can help keep the liver healthy as the body recovers from hepatitis A. These tips can help promote healing while your body is fighting the hepatitis A virus.

  • Prioritize rest. Bed rest is important, especially while you have a fever and jaundice.

  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and supplement with broths and smoothies to get nutrition and calories.

  • Avoid alcohol. Drinking any alcohol while you are sick with hepatitis A could damage your liver.

  • Limit or avoid fatty or fried foods. These foods may cause vomiting while you’re ill, so it’s best to avoid them.

Vaccine Treatment

People who think they have been exposed to hepatitis A (typically through food poisoning or also potentially through close personal contact with an infected person) should reach out to their healthcare provider right away for what’s called prophylactic treatment.

Getting a hepatitis A vaccine within two weeks of exposure to the virus can help prevent the infection from taking hold. Although it takes two or three doses to be fully vaccinated, one dose soon after exposure may help prevent infection.

An injection of immune globulin, a substance made from human blood that contains antibodies to the virus, may also prevent infection after exposure. This is typically used as an alternative to the hepatitis A vaccine for people who cannot get vaccinated due to preexisting conditions.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches

Most people who develop a hepatitis A infection get better on their own without any treatment, whether that’s prescription medication or supplements, herbs, or other complementary therapies.

But some may still wish to try complementary and integrative approaches to help promote healing. Before taking any supplements or herbs, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure nothing you’re trying could be harmful to your liver.

Pain Management

There are no specific medications recommended to help manage pain related to hepatitis A.

Don’t take any pain relievers, including over-the-counter drugs, before talking with your healthcare provider.

The Takeaway

Hepatitis A, an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, has no specific medical treatment. It typically gets better on its own within six months.

Ways to support recovery include rest, hydration, and a balanced diet. Don’t take any medication or supplements without first talking to your doctor to make sure they won’t harm your liver. People exposed to the virus may be able to prevent infection by getting vaccinated or taking an immune globulin injection. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to severe liver failure requiring a liver transplant.

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Marina Serper, MD, MS

Medical Reviewer

Marina Serper, MD, MS, is a transplant hepatologist, an associate professor of medicine in gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and staff physician at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Dr. Serper's research focuses on investigating barriers to access and high quality care for patients with liver disease; designing behavioral and health-system interventions utilizing health technology to improve care delivery and outcomes in chronic liver disease and liver transplantation; and evaluating how health literacy, medication understanding, and cognitive function affect medication adherence, self-care and health outcomes.

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Becky Upham, MA

Becky Upham

Author

Becky Upham has worked throughout the health and wellness world for over 25 years. She's been a race director, a team recruiter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a salesperson for a major pharmaceutical company, a blogger for Moogfest, a communications manager for Mission Health, a fitness instructor, and a health coach.

Upham majored in English at the University of North Carolina and has a master's in English writing from Hollins University.

Upham enjoys teaching cycling classes, running, reading fiction, and making playlists.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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  2. Hepatitis A. Mount Sinai. January 30, 2023.
  3. Zachari GS et al. Acetaminophen: A Liver Killer or Thriller. Cureus. October 2023.
  4. Hepatitis A. Mayo Clinic. July 2, 2024.
  5. Hepatitis A. Cleveland Clinic. February 28, 2023.