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.
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
- food handling and unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided until patients become non infectious
- screening for pre-existing 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) (2)
Reference:
- United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of the viral hepatitides A, B and C; British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (2015)
- UK Health Security Agency. Hepatitis A: guidance, data and analysis. Published December 2009, last updated June 2021