Hepatitis A
Residual Effects After Having Hepatitis A
According to Hepatitis Foundation International, Hepatitis A will clear up on its own in a few weeks or months with no serious after effects. Once recovered, an individual is then immune for life to HAV through the presence of the IgG antibody. About 1 in 100 HAV sufferers may experience a sudden and severe (i.e., "fulminant") infection.
Also, a small number of people with hepatitis A will continue to experience signs and symptoms of infection for several weeks longer than usual. For these people, hepatitis A signs and symptoms may go away and then reappear over several weeks. Though the signs and symptoms occur over a longer period of time, this form of hepatitis A infection is not more serious than a hepatitis A infection that causes the usual signs and symptoms.
In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause acute liver failure, which is a loss of liver function that occurs suddenly. People with the highest risk of this complication include those with chronic liver diseases and older adults. Acute liver failure requires hospitalization for monitoring and treatment. In some cases, people with acute liver failure may require a liver transplant.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Hepatitis A Information for the Public" http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/A/index.htm Retrieved February 9, 2011
Dolan, Mathew, The Hepatitis Handbook. North Atlantic Books, 1999.
Hepatitis Foundation International. "The ABC's of Hepatitis" http://www.hepfi.org/living/liv_abc.html Retrieved February 9, 2011.
Mayo Clinic. "Hepatitis A" http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-a/DS00397 Retrieved February 9, 2011.
Palmer, MD, Melissa. Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease. New York: Avery Trade, 2004.