Treatment of viral hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that often settles without an antiviral medicine. A clinician may review your symptoms, medicines, hydration, and liver function. A Liver Function Test can help track how the liver is responding. Nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, and feeling generally unwell can occur as the illness develops. Avoid alcohol and check before taking non-prescription medicines or supplements, because the liver processes many of them.

Take small, regular drinks and choose manageable meals when appetite is low. Rest, wash hands carefully after using the toilet, and avoid preparing food for other people while advised by your clinician. Do not share towels or utensils if household hygiene guidance recommends separation. Keep follow-up appointments even if symptoms begin to ease. Ask whether people who live with you or had close contact need Hepatitis A Vaccination.

Arrange medical advice promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, become unusually sleepy or confused, develop worsening abdominal pain, or notice increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes. Urgent care is appropriate for severe dehydration, fainting, breathing difficulty, or a marked change in alertness. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with existing liver disease may need earlier assessment.

Ask how often your liver should be checked, which medicines and supplements to avoid, how to maintain hydration, and when it is safe to return to work, school, food preparation, or close contact.