What should you know about fulminant hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that inflames the liver. In fulminant disease, liver function can deteriorate rapidly, affecting blood clotting, waste processing and alertness. A person may have nausea, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes. These symptoms are presentations of hepatitis A; they do not by themselves establish the diagnosis.

Clinicians assess symptoms, examine you and use blood tests, including a Liver Function Test, to understand liver injury. They may monitor you in hospital because changes in alertness, bleeding or fluid balance can require rapid treatment.

If fulminant hepatitis A is suspected, seek emergency care immediately and take a list of medicines and supplements with you. Do not drink alcohol, and do not start over-the-counter pain medicines or herbal products without medical advice because the liver may process them differently during illness.

Rest and follow the treating team’s instructions about fluids, food and monitoring. Ask close contacts whether they need advice about Hepatitis A Vaccination or other preventive steps.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for new confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, vomiting that prevents drinking, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or rapidly increasing yellowing. Do not drive yourself if you are confused or faint.

What tests show how well my liver is working? How often will my liver function and blood clotting be checked? Which medicines, supplements and foods should I avoid? Should household or sexual contacts receive vaccination advice?