Hepatitis Health Center

Because there are many types of hepatitis, there are many types of  treatment.

Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own over a period of several weeks. There is an available vaccine that offers immunity from the condition to adults and children over the age of one year. The CDC recommends routine hepatitis A vaccines for children between 12 and 23 months and for high-risk adults. Immune globulin can help to provide short-term immunity when given before exposure or within two weeks of possible exposure. A bit of extra advice is to avoid tap water while traveling and always keep up good hygiene.

There is a vaccine available for the prevention of hepatitis B which offers the best protection against the disease. All infants, children and at-risk adults are recommended to get vaccinated. Chronic hepatitis B can be treated with medications like interferon alpha and peginterferon, which both work to slow how quickly the virus multiplies in the body. These medications also help to boost the immune system to fight off the infection. Antiviral medications such as lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), entecavir (Baraclude) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) can also help. Infants born to mothers who have hepatitis B should receive hepatitis B immune globulin and the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Those with acute hepatitis B normally do not require treatment, as the condition is likely to clear up by itself. Those with severe acute hepatitis can be treated with the antiviral medication lamivudine.

Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine available for prevention. To prevent exposure, do not share drug needles or any sort of personal item such as a toothbrush, nail clippers or razors with someone who is infected. Chronic forms of hepatitis C can be treated with peginterferon used with the antiviral medication ribavirin. Acute hepatitis C may resolve on its own within a few months, but if it does not, you should speak with your doctor about beginning treatment.

Hepatitis D also does not have a vaccine, although those with the disease should not receive the vaccination available for hepatitis B. Also, avoid exposure to infected blood and contaminated needles. Don't use personal items from those who are infected. Chronic hepatitis D can be treated with pegylated interferon.

There is no vaccination for hepatitis E. Avoid tap water while traveling and keep up good hygiene and sanitation habits. The condition usually clears up on its own after weeks to months.