Hepatitis A

September 2007     View PDF     En español

How do you treat hepatitis A?

No medicines are used to treat hepatitis A. It will go away on its own in almost all cases. However, it’s still important to take care of yourself while you’re sick and to help prevent passing it on to others. A few things that you can do are drink plenty of fluids, eat right, avoid alcohol and drugs, and slow down.

It’s important to keep your body well hydrated with water and other fluids, especially if you have vomiting, diarrhea or a fever. Drink plenty of water or other liquids such as fruit juices and soups or broths.

It’s also important to eat even though you may not feel like it. Eating smaller meals more often during the day may help you. Be sure to keep a balanced diet. Eating fatty or greasy foods is hard on the liver and may cause nausea and vomiting.

Another thing that helps is to stop taking or cut down on alcohol, drugs and herbs. Since HAV impairs your liver to break down alcohol, herbal supplements and medicines (even non-prescription meds), taking them may make your illness worse and last longer.

It also helps to match your energy level to what you do during a usual day. You may need to take time off work or school to help recover. Bed rest may also be needed. Getting exercise or trying to do too much too soon may prolong your illness.