What happens if hepatitis A is not treated?

Hepatitis A is an infection that inflames the liver. Feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine and jaundice may develop as the liver processes bile less effectively. Tiredness can last after other symptoms improve. Most care is supportive, but dehydration, persistent vomiting or worsening liver inflammation can make recovery more difficult.

A liver function test can help a clinician assess liver irritation alongside your symptoms and examination. Unlike some other viral liver infections, hepatitis A does not usually become a long-term infection, but severe illness can occur and should not be ignored.

Arrange medical advice if hepatitis A is suspected, especially with jaundice, dark urine or ongoing nausea. Rest, take fluids in small amounts if your stomach is unsettled, and eat what you can tolerate. Avoid alcohol and check before taking medicines or supplements because an inflamed liver may handle them differently. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and avoid preparing food for others while advised to do so.

Seek urgent help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, collapse or rapidly worsening jaundice. Prompt assessment is also needed if urine output falls or weakness becomes severe. A clinician can decide whether monitoring, fluids or hospital care is needed.

Ask which tests are needed, how to protect household contacts, which foods and fluids are manageable, when work or school can safely resume, and which medicines to avoid. Ask whether hepatitis A vaccination is appropriate for close contacts or future prevention.