Skip to site navigation

Accessibility Options

Font size

Colour scheme

Hepatitis A

 

How serious is it?

Most people recover in a few weeks and it is unusual to be admitted to hospital. However, some people experience fatigue and debility for many months, but eventually recover. The infection is not thought to cause long-term liver damage.

The disease is more dangerous for older people. In infants and young children, the infection can be mild or even pass unnoticed. Once a person has recovered from Hepatitis A, they are immune for life.

Can it be prevented?

Vaccination provides protection for up to 10 years. Protection for three to six months can be achieved with a single injection of immunoglobulin. This is recommended for people travelling to high-risk countries, such as parts of southern and Eastern Europe, Africa, India and the Middle and Far East.

How is it treated?

As with most viral illnesses, there is no specific treatment. Jaundice and itching can be treated with cortisone tablets. It is important for people to eat and drink as well as possible. Alcohol and heavy exertion should be avoided.

Find out what to do if you think you have caught Hepatitis. You can contact our Environmental Health Team using the contact information in the right-hand menu.

A to Z of Services

Health & social care

About Greenwich

Contact information