management of hepatitis A virus hepatitis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Hepatitis A is a notifiable disease (1)

There is no specific treatment and therapy should be supportive

  • adequate rest and balanced nutrition
  • hepatotoxins such as alcohol and acetaminophen should be avoided
  • no specific anti-viral treatment for hepatitis A is available (2).

Prevention is the most appropriate measure against the disease:

  • clear and accurate written information should be given to patients and family regarding the importance of good hygiene
    • thorough hand washing after going to the toilet or before handling food
    • proper disposal of sanitary waste (2)
  • food handling and unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided until patients become non infectious
  • screening for preexisting hepatitis A exposure and vaccination if appropriate (1)

The following patient should be admitted to the hospital immediately:

  • severe attack with vomiting
  • dehydration
  • signs of hepatic decompensation - change in conscious level or personality, prothrombin time of 5 seconds or more (1)

In case of a suspected outbreak or if the source is a food handler, local CCDC/public health department should be informed over the phone (1).

The infected person (source) should stay away from work, school or nursery until 7 days after the onset of jaundice (if there is no history of jaundice then 7 days after symptom onset) (3)

Reference:

Related pages:

management of household and sexual contacts