Hepatitis A positive test: treatment and recovery

A positive result may indicate a current or recent hepatitis A infection, depending on which antibody the laboratory found. Your clinician interprets the result with your symptoms and other blood tests. Hepatitis A inflames the liver but is generally temporary rather than a lifelong infection.

Nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, feeling generally unwell, abdominal discomfort, jaundice and dark urine can occur. Symptoms may change over time, so improvement in one symptom does not replace follow-up when your clinician recommends it.

Treatment is usually supportive: rest, regular fluids and small meals that you can tolerate. Avoid alcohol and check every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, supplement or herbal product with a clinician or pharmacist while your liver is recovering. A Liver Function Test may be repeated to follow the liver’s response.

Wash hands with soap and water after toilet use and before food preparation. Do not prepare food for other people if your clinician advises against it. Ask about Hepatitis A Vaccination and exposure advice for household members or other close contacts.

Seek urgent medical attention for confusion, extreme sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening jaundice. Contact your care team if symptoms are not easing, you cannot maintain fluids or you are unsure which medicines are safe.

Ask which antibody was detected, whether liver tests need repeating, how long precautions should continue, and whether anyone who shared food or close contact needs vaccination or assessment.