Hepatitis A

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Digestive system	Digestive system organs	Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands	Fly
Hepatitis A

Viral hepatitis

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver, including acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Fatty foods may cause vomiting, because secretions from the liver are needed to digest fats. Fatty foods are best avoided during the acute phase.

Over 85% of people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months, and over 99% of people recover by 6 months.

The fatality rate is estimated at 0.1%, usually among the elderly and patients with chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis A infection does not become a chronic.

There are usually no complications. One in a thousand cases become fulminant hepatitis, which can be life threatening.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate you may have hepatitis A.

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.