Viral hepatitis; Infectious hepatitis

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Rest is recommended when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver, including acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Fatty foods may cause vomiting, because substances from the liver are needed to digest fats. Fatty foods are best avoided during the acute phase.

The virus does not remain in the body after the infection has gone away.

Over 85% of people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months. Nearly all patients get better within 6 months.

There is a low risk of death, usually among the elderly and persons with chronic liver disease.

There are usually no complications. One in a thousand cases becomes fulminant hepatitis, which can be life threatening.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis.

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Digestive system organs

Hepatitis A

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

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Review Date: 11/23/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)