Hepatitis A Treatment

There are no specific medicines to cure infection with hepatitis A. Most people require no treatment except to relieve symptoms.

If you have been exposed to someone who is infected with HAV, there is a treatment that may prevent you from becoming infected. It is called immune globulin and is more likely to be effective when given within 2 weeks of exposure.

Self-Care at Home

The following measures can help you feel better while you are having symptoms.

• Take it easy; curtail your normal activities and spend time resting at home.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid medicines and substances that can cause harm to the liver such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and preparations that contain acetaminophen.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, as these can worsen the effects of HAV on the liver.
• Avoid prolonged, vigorous exercise until symptoms start to improve.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or a new symptom appears.

Be very careful about personal hygiene to avoid fecal-oral transmission to other members of the household.

Medical Treatment

• If you are dehydrated, your doctor may prescribe IV fluid to help you feel better.
  
• If you are experiencing significant nausea and vomiting, you will receive medicines to control these symptoms.
  
• People whose symptoms are well controlled can be cared for at home.
  
• If dehydration or other symptoms are severe or if you are extremely confused or difficult to arouse, then you may need to stay in the hospital.