You’ll probably need to stay home from work or school until the flu-like symptoms fade away (a few weeks of so). [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Focus on getting at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night, if not more. Take a break from the gym for a few weeks until your energy levels build back up. Instead, go for a short walk on occasion to get some fresh air and stimulate your blood circulation.

The liver is responsible for processing (metabolizing) drugs in your body, so higher doses can irritate, inflame and damage liver cells, especially if they’re already infected with viral hepatitis. Avoid taking acetaminophen unless you’ve talked with your doctor. Adults tend to experience more symptoms than children because their liver cells don’t grow and regenerate as quickly.

Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, so consider taking ginger capsules, eating pickled ginger or drinking real ginger ale. If your nausea and/or vomiting is severe, your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic drug (such as metoclopramide) to reduce the symptoms.

Avoid beverages with caffeine (coffee, black tea, colas, energy drinks) because it’s a diuretic that stimulates urination and increases the risk of dehydration. [9] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source If you can’t keep yourself hydrated with beverages, you’ll need to go to a hospital or emergency clinic to get intravenous fluid through a vein in your arm. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

To combat itchiness wear loose clothing, avoid hot baths and showers, don’t get sunburned and maintain a cool, well-ventilated environment in your home. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source No amount of scratching relieves this form of pruritus, so don’t start and then risk getting a skin infection. A build-up of bilirubin levels due to a damaged liver also causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice. With severe cases of itching, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine medication may help because it reduces inflammatory reactions.

Although red wine has some health value (it contains antioxidants), it should also be avoided by people with hepatitis. Instead of wine, drink grape juice with meals as long as it doesn’t trigger nausea. Instead of drinking regular beer after work or on weekends, try non-alcoholic varieties.

People who are recommended to get vaccinated include: lab workers who handle hep A, people who work with sewage, men who have anal sex, illicit drug users, patients with chronic liver disease, and people traveling to areas with high rates of hep A. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source The effectiveness of the hep A vaccine ranges from 80-100% after 1-2 doses in most people. [18] X Research source The three types of vaccines used against hep A are: a monovalent vaccine, a combined hep A and hep B vaccine, and a combined hep A and typhoid fever vaccine. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source For adults, a booster hep A shot is estimated to protect you for at least 20 years. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Higher risk areas for hepatitis A include Mexico, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Asia and most parts of South America. If bottled water isn’t available to you, boil tap water for about 10 minutes before drinking it.

Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper and before preparing food or eating it. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The hep A virus can also be transmitted sexually, so practice safe sex and always insist on condom usage.