The convalescence following hepatitis A may be slow, and is characterized by fatigue, nausea, and lack of appetite. Complications of hepatitis A include relapsing hepatitis, cholestatic hepatitis, and fulminant hepatitis. Chronic infection with HAV does not occur. No specific antiviral therapy is currently available. Detection of the virus or viral antigens in the stool is of limited value for routine diagnosis.
Protective antibodies develop in response to infection and persist for life.
The protective role of anti-HAV antibodies has been demonstrated by the protection against hepatitis. A resulting from passive immunization with serum immune globulin. The effect of mucosal immunity on HAV infection is not known. In addition, direct and indirect medical costs including the infection control measures involved may impose a considerable economic burden on society. In the long term, socioeconomic development will reduce transmission of hepatitis A, particularly through improved sanitation and health education.