Infections
Medicines for Hepatitis A
A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water, causing short-lived illness — usually clearing on its own, and preventable by vaccination and good hygiene.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, spread mainly through consuming food or water contaminated with the virus (often linked to poor sanitation), and through close contact with an infected person. It is more common in parts of the world with less developed sanitation, so it is a consideration for travellers.
- How it is treated: There is no specific treatment, so care is supportive while the body clears the infection over a few weeks: rest, plenty of fluids, eating as able, and avoiding alcohol to protect the liver.
- Self-care: Good hand hygiene, safe food and water practices (especially when travelling), and the hepatitis A vaccine for travellers to higher-risk areas and other at-risk groups all prevent infection.
- When to seek help: See a GP about jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), persistent nausea, tummy pain and tiredness, especially after travel to a higher-risk area.
What it is
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, spread mainly through consuming food or water contaminated with the virus (often linked to poor sanitation), and through close contact with an infected person. It is more common in parts of the world with less developed sanitation, so it is a consideration for travellers. Symptoms, which appear a few weeks after infection, can include tiredness, feeling sick, tummy discomfort, loss of appetite, fever and, later, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) with dark urine and pale stools. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause long-term (chronic) liver disease — the illness is usually short-lived, though it can occasionally be more serious, especially in older adults or those with existing liver disease.
How it is treated
There is no specific treatment, so care is supportive while the body clears the infection over a few weeks: rest, plenty of fluids, eating as able, and avoiding alcohol to protect the liver. Most people recover fully with no lasting liver damage, though tiredness can linger. Because it is infectious, good hand hygiene (especially after the toilet and before handling food) and not preparing food for others while unwell help prevent spread. The most effective prevention is the hepatitis A vaccine, recommended for travellers to higher-risk areas and certain other groups, along with safe food and water practices when travelling.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Hepatitis A
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Good hand hygiene, safe food and water practices (especially when travelling), and the hepatitis A vaccine for travellers to higher-risk areas and other at-risk groups all prevent infection. During illness, rest, fluids and avoiding alcohol protect the liver.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), persistent nausea, tummy pain and tiredness, especially after travel to a higher-risk area. Seek urgent care for severe vomiting, confusion, or signs of serious liver problems.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Hepatitis A: frequently asked questions
Does hepatitis A cause long-term liver damage?
No — unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic (long-term) liver disease. The illness is usually short-lived and most people recover fully, though it can occasionally be more serious.
How can I prevent hepatitis A?
The hepatitis A vaccine is very effective and recommended for travellers to higher-risk areas and certain groups. Good hand hygiene and safe food and water also help prevent it.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Hepatitis A
- TravelHealthPro — Hepatitis A
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