Hepatitis A Treatment: Cost and Side Effects
Last Updated: Nov 15, 2024
What is the Hepatitis A Treatment?
Hepatitis A treatment is required when a person has a highly contagious liver infection because of the Hepatitis A virus. This is one of the types of Hepatitis virus which causes inflammation and creates a problem in the proper functioning of the liver. Most people get affected by Hepatitis A virus by consuming contaminated food and water or by coming in close contact with an infected person or object. However, for mild cases of Hepatitis A, no treatment is required. The recovery rate for Hepatitis A is very high as most people recover with no severe or permanent damage to their liver.
Getting a Hepatitis A vaccine or an injection of an antibody called immunoglobulin within the first two weeks of exposure may protect you from getting an infection. In order to diagnose the problem, blood tests are performed and sent to the laboratory for testing. In most cases of Hepatitis A, the liver heals on it own within six months without any signs of permanent damage. The most important treatment for Hepatitis A is to get enough rest. Using prescribed over the counter drugs and avoiding alcohol are other important ways to treat this condition.
How is the Hepatitis A Treatment done?
No specific treatment is required for individuals affected with Hepatitis A virus. However, patients need to be careful about consuming enough nutrition and fluids and strictly avoiding alcohol. Getting enough rest is important for people with this condition. You may also need to take over the counter pain relievers in order to reduce the discomfort. For individuals who have significant nausea and vomiting, immediate admission to the hospital is important for intravenous fluids. Individuals, who have not been vaccinated but are sure that they have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus, can still get vaccines or immunoglobulin within two weeks of exposure.
Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)
Individuals who see symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, low grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes which indicates towards jaundice and intense itching are eligible for the treatment of Hepatitis A.
Who is not eligible for the treatment?
Individuals who do not show symptoms of the condition are not eligible for the treatment. Other than that, people who have shown life threatening allergic reactions to vaccines should not get vaccinated.
Are there any side effects?
Some people may show life threatening allergic reaction vaccination and should therefore avoid taking more shots of vaccination after the first one. People who are allergic may show symptoms of feeling extremely drowsy, feeling generally ill, becoming fuzzy, having nausea and loss of appetite.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
Individuals who have hepatitis A do not need to go through any specific treatment. However, they need to follow certain steps like avoiding alcohol and getting enough sleep in order to let the liver heal in its own.
How long does it take to recover?
It takes around six months for the liver to heal on its own without having any lasting damage.
What is the price of the treatment in India?
A vaccination for Hepatitis A may cost around Rs 800 to Rs 1000.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
The results for the treatment of Hepatitis A is permanent as there is no treatment required and the liver heals on its own within a period of six months without any permanent damage.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
Getting enough rest and adding nutrition and fluids to your diet are few important steps to avoid any further complications.
References
- Hepatitis A- Medline Plus, Health Topics, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 01 August 2019]. Available from:
- Hepatitis A- NIH, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. niddk.nih.gov 2017 [Cited 01 August 2019]. Available from:
- Hepatitis A- Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 01 August 2019]. Available from:
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