Hepatitis A is curable because the virus that causes this disease can be eliminated by the body without the need for medication. This virus, which is contagious and transmitted by water and / or food contaminated with feces, causes an inflammation in the liver that lasts a few days or weeks and is eliminated from the body through the action of the immune system.
Inflammation of the liver caused by virus A is usually not severe and, in most cases, does not even cause symptoms. When symptomatic, body aches, nausea, vomiting, skin and yellow eyes are observed. These symptoms can appear a few weeks after contact with virus A and heal in about 10 days, but they can last up to 3 or 4 weeks.
On rare occasions, hepatitis A can be more severe, affecting the liver in a few days. In this case, it will be classified as fulminant liver failure (FHF) and its treatment can be liver transplantation. Learn more about fulminant liver failure.
What to do to heal faster
The guidelines and treatment of hepatitis by virus A should be recommended by the doctor, who will assess the case and the severity of each person. However, some tips can be followed at home to improve recovery such as:
- Do not stop eating: despite the indisposition and nausea, a good diet must be maintained so that there is energy and nutrients necessary for the elimination of the virus. Have a healthy diet: a diet based on a lot of water, in addition to fruits and vegetables to facilitate the elimination of toxins by the body. Rest well: rest may be necessary to prevent the body from spending unnecessary energy with other activities, allowing the elimination of the virus A. Avoid mixing medicines: many medicines pass through the liver to take effect, so it is important not to overload it with medicines hepatic metabolism, such as Paracetamol. Do not consume alcoholic beverages: alcohol increases liver work and may contribute to worsening liver inflammation caused by virus A.
As it has a shorter and limited duration, hepatitis A does not become chronic, as in hepatitis B and C, and after its cure, the person acquires immunity. The vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease, being recommended in children between 1 and 2 years old and adults who have never had the disease.
See more specific care and medications for the treatment of hepatitis A.
Watch the following video and also see how to prevent infection by the virus:
