What it is
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread when someone swallows the virus through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person.
Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A is generally acute, meaning it comes on and then resolves. It does not typically become a chronic, long-term infection.
How long it lasts can differ widely. Some people feel unwell for a relatively short time, while others take longer to feel like themselves again. Some people, especially young children, may have few or no noticeable symptoms.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Hepatitis A has traditionally been approached with supportive care. This usually means rest, staying hydrated, eating as well as you are able, and avoiding things that may stress the liver, as advised by a clinician.
Doctors often use a conversation about symptoms and exposure, along with blood tests, to confirm hepatitis A. Follow-up visits may be used to see how the liver is recovering.
Public health approaches have also focused on prevention, including good handwashing, safe food and water practices, and vaccination. Whether a vaccine makes sense for you is a decision to discuss with a licensed clinician.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help by confirming what is going on, explaining where you are in the typical course of the illness, and talking through what recovery could look like for you. A visit generally starts with questions about symptoms, recent travel, food, and possible exposures.
Your provider may also discuss how to protect people around you, such as household members, and whether vaccination or other preventive steps could be appropriate. Those decisions belong to a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Questions you might bring: How long might my recovery take? When can I return to work or school? What symptoms mean I should call you right away? Should the people I live with be evaluated? When should my liver be rechecked? You can explore Hepatitis A care providers through Providers.plus.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect each other. Feeling tired, queasy, or off your routine for a while can wear on your mood, and worry or poor sleep can in turn make recovery feel harder.
Gentle, body-based support such as that offered through Somatic Experiences may help some people feel more settled while they recover. If the uncertainty or isolation feels heavy, talk therapy through Therapists.plus is another option. Neither replaces care from your doctor.
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide care; this page cannot tell you how long your illness will last or what to do about it.
- Severe symptoms such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant jaundice with fever need emergency care. Call 911; this site is not for emergencies.
- If you are in emotional distress or crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
- Hepatitis A is different from hepatitis B and C, which can become chronic, so ask your clinician which type applies to you.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
How long does hepatitis A last?
Hepatitis A is generally a short-term illness, and symptoms usually resolve on their own over a period of weeks to a few months. The exact length varies from person to person. A licensed clinician can tell you what to expect based on your situation.
Does hepatitis A become chronic?
No, hepatitis A is generally acute and self-limited, meaning it does not typically become a chronic infection like hepatitis B or C can. Your doctor can confirm which type of hepatitis you have through testing.
How long is someone with hepatitis A contagious?
A person can often spread hepatitis A starting before symptoms appear and for a period afterward. Exact timing varies, so ask a clinician or your local health department for guidance on protecting others.
When can I go back to work or school after hepatitis A?
That depends on your symptoms, your job, and local public health guidance. Food handlers and caregivers in particular should check with a licensed clinician before returning.
Can symptoms come back after hepatitis A improves?
Some people feel better and then have a temporary return of symptoms, though this is not the same for everyone. If you feel worse again, contact your clinician.
Is there a treatment for hepatitis A?
There is no specific antiviral approach that is typically used for hepatitis A; care is generally supportive and guided by a clinician. A vaccine exists for prevention, and whether it is right for you is a question for your provider.
Educational resource. Hep Programs shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.