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Hepatitis A Long-Term Effects

It is unusual to experience serious or long-lasting effects of hepatitis A. For most people, hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a self-limiting condition, meaning that the virus fully clears up on its own within a relatively short time. However, some people may experience longer infection with the virus, in addition to some other, rare complications.

  1. Effects

    • In addition to the direct effects of HAV infection, individuals may experience decreased energy and nausea throughout the duration of their symptoms. In addition, some people may have to change or stop taking some other medications if they have effects on the liver, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Time Frame

    • The average length of time it takes for HAV infection to clear up is two months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, some people may experience symptoms of HAV infection for up to six months.

    Considerations

    • Although there are no specific treatments for infection with HAV, the CDC reports that some people may need to be hospitalized to manage the effects of infection. During hospitalization, people may receive fluids.

    Types

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of HAV infection may be intermittent, meaning that they come and go over a period of time. The Mayo Clinic reports that this form of disease is not more dangerous than standard disease progression.

    Warning

    • In a small number of people, infection with HAV may lead to the sudden failure of the liver. According to the CDC, the people who are most likely to experience serious complications of HAV infection are people who are over the age of fifty or people who already also have some other form of liver disease.

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