Patients might be able to tolerate high-caloric drinks to supplement the regular diet. In some cases, the physician may prescribe drugs that have minimal impact on the liver to alleviate the symptoms of hepatitis, such as nausea or severe itching. All patients should abstain from alcohol and sexual contact during the acute phase. Although most patients with hepatitis experience fatigue and require more rest than usual, they can be as physically active as they want without affecting recovery. In fact, patients should be encouraged to be as active as they can.
Depression is common, particularly in people used to an active life.
Patients should be reassured that in the great a majority of hepatitis cases, recovery is complete. At the onset of acute hepatitis, periodic visits to the physician for repeat blood tests are necessary, the frequency of which depends on how well the patient feels. If symptoms still occur after three months and laboratory tests still indicate active presence of the virus, the patient should be evaluated every month. If symptoms persist beyond 6 months, a liver biopsy may be required to determine any liver damage. Treatment for Fulminant Acute Hepatitis For those who develop fulminant hepatitis and liver failure, treatment is aimed at the affected organs and systems.