TREATMENT

Supportive care for hepatitis A

Treatment Summary

Hepatitis A usually gets better on its own, so treatment focuses on helping your body recover while easing symptoms. There is no specific antiviral medicine for hepatitis A. Most people recover fully within a few weeks, although some may feel tired for longer.

Treatment Goal

The aim is to support you until the infection passes and your liver recovers. Most people make a full recovery and hepatitis A does not become a long-term chronic infection. After you have had hepatitis A, or after full vaccination, you will usually have lifelong immunity.

Approach

The main treatment for hepatitis A is supportive care. This means getting plenty of rest, drinking enough fluids, eating small light meals if you feel unwell, and treating symptoms such as fever, nausea or aches. You should avoid alcohol while you are recovering because it can put extra strain on the liver. In rare cases, if symptoms are severe or the liver is badly affected, hospital care may be needed.

Availability In Ireland

In Ireland, you can get help for hepatitis A from your GP, an HSE sexual health clinic, an emergency department if you are very unwell, or hospital hepatology or infectious diseases services if needed. Most care is provided through advice, monitoring and symptom support rather than specialist medicines. The hepatitis A vaccine is available through GPs and travel clinics, and sexual health services may recommend it proactively for people at higher risk. Costs can vary depending on where you attend and whether you have a medical card, GP visit card or private cover.