Hepatitis A - Treating hepatitis A

There is currently no cure for hepatitis A, so treating the condition is based on making you feel as comfortable as possible until the infection passes.

The following self-care advice may help.

Plenty of rest

It is important to get plenty of rest, especially during the initial stages of the infection, as it is likely you will be feeling very tired.

You will probably need to stay off work (or school or college) until the flu-like symptoms of hepatitis A pass. Your GP will tell you when you can return to normal daily activities.

Pain relief

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve any abdominal pain, though it is important not to take too many tablets as this could damage your liver.

Always read the information leaflet that comes with your medication.

Itching

Itching can sometimes be difficult to treat, but there are steps you can take that may help:

• maintain a cool, well-ventilated environment
• wear loose clothing
• avoid hot baths or showers

For severe cases you may be prescribed an antihistamine, but this is not always suitable.

Read more information about treatments for itching.

Coping with nausea and vomiting

If you are having problems with feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting, the following advice may help:

• try eating six smaller meals a day rather than three larger meals
• avoid eating fatty foods, as this can often make you feel worse

If you still have nausea and vomiting despite following this advice, your GP may prescribe a type of medication called an antiemetic. An antiemetic called metoclopramide is usually recommended.

Metoclopramide is available in tablet or capsule form, as a powder you can mix with water, or as an injection (the injected form of the medication is usually only required in severe cases).

Side effects of metoclopramide are uncommon and include:

• diarrhoea
• drowsiness – do not drive or use tools or machinery if you do develop drowsiness

Severe vomiting could lead to dehydration, which is potentially very serious. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• dry, wrinkled skin that sags slowly into position when pinched up
• an inability to urinate, or not passing urine for eight hours
• sunken eyes

Contact your GP immediately if you think you are dehydrated. If this is not possible, call NHS 111 or your local out-of-hours service.

Resting your liver

It is important to rest your liver as much as possible until it fully recovers. This means you should not drink any alcohol until your GP or the doctor in charge of your care says it is safe to do so, as your liver is responsible for filtering alcohol out of your blood.

Your liver is also responsible for processing many different medications, including over-the-counter painkillers, so it may be necessary to avoid certain medications or reduce the dosage until you recover.

Your GP can advise you on what, and how much, medication is safe to take.