Now, non A, non B hepatitis, renamed HCV hepatitis, is prevented by screening with recently developed HCV tests. In some cases, the virus does not directly kill liver cells but immune complexes attached to liver cells making them susceptible to being killed by the body's own defenses. In other words, there is auto-immune destruction. Virtually all previously healthy patients recover from HAV infection with no after effects. If a lot of liver tissue is destroyed, scarring occurs and is called cirrhosis.
Alcohol can produce the same end result.
Usually the illness will last a few weeks or months and you will be infectious to others for 3 weeks or longer, as long as the virus is present. Supportive treatment is a high calorie diet, tolerated best in the morning. Avoidance of alcohol is important. Remember sexual activity can spread the disease for 3 to 5 weeks. If you have hepatitis A or E, you should not prepare food because the virus is in the stool and contaminates your hands.