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Hepatitis A | Treatment

How is hepatitis A treated?

There is no specific medicine to treat or cure hepatitis A. If you have the virus, you should get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol). Both alcohol and medicines like acetaminophen are broken down by the liver and may increase the speed of liver damage in people who have hepatitis.

Talk with your doctor about any other over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as they may need to be changed or stopped while you have the virus.

You may need to stay in the hospital for a short time if you get dehydrated, have severe pain, suddenly become confused or develop bleeding problems.

Source

Hepatitis A by SC Brundage M.D., M.P.H. and AN Fitzpatrick, M.P.H. (American Family Physician June 15, 2006, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20060615/2162.html)

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 05/10
Created: 06/06