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Side Effects of Hepatitis A

Infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is generally self-limiting, meaning that the infection runs its course and the virus is cleared from the system; people who have had hepatitis A become immune from future infection. However, some people do experience a slightly longer than usual course of disease, and more serious complications, though rare, may occur.

  1. Effects

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people who contract HAV do not develop symptoms at all; adults who contract the virus develop symptoms more often the children. Among people who are affected by hepatitis A disease, symptoms include extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen around the liver, low appetite, low fever, urine that is a dark color, pain in muscles, itching and jaundice, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Time Frame

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who develop symptoms of HAV infection generally develop them between two and six weeks after infection. Symptoms of hepatitis A normally last about two months.

    Treatment

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no specific therapies available for the treatment of hepatitis A; no antiviral drugs are available, such as those used to treat hepatitis C. Coping strategies for hepatitis C infection include getting plenty of rest, snacking instead of eating full meals, eating foods that do not aggravate nausea and stopping the consumption of alcohol, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also reports that medications may have to be reviewed and, if necessary, stopped depending on the effect they have on the liver. Some people may need to be hospitalized to manage symptoms, according to the CDC.

    Complications

    • Some people may experience symptoms of hepatitis A for up to six months, according to the CDC. The Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms may be intermittent, meaning that they go away and come back; this type of disease, through protracted, is not more severe than general infection with HAV.

    Warning

    • In a small number of people, infection with HAV can lead to sudden liver failure, which may lead to death, according to the Mayo Clinic. Possible treatment includes liver transplant. According to the CDC, the people most likely to experience severe complications of hepatitis A infection are over the age of 50 or also have some other form of liver disease.

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