CBD for Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is one of five forms of hepatitis. It’s typically caused by a viral infection. Often, the source of the virus is the ingestion of water or food contaminated by the feces of someone already infected.

The symptoms of hepatitis A don’t typically occur until several weeks after the initial infection. Based on previous research, CBD can possibly help with symptoms – pain, appetite, itching, nausea, and vomiting. However, further research is needed before declaring that CBD is safe and effective in treating the virus.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is highly contagious and can be found in the stool and blood of infected people. These bodily fluids often mix with drinking water or food, which can then infect another person after ingestion.

Though hepatitis A is usually short-lived and mild, it can incur inflammation within the liver and affect its ability to function. However, even then, the liver damage is not typically long-term nor do the issues become chronic. The immediate threat of liver failure, though, may necessitate a liver transplant in severe cases.

What Are The Current Treatment Options?

Because hepatitis A’s effects are usually short-term, the best form of treatment is prevention. Luckily there is a vaccine available to prevent infections. Receiving the vaccine within two weeks of exposure to the virus can stymie its ability to grow and spread within your body. An injection of immunoglobin can also serve as a shield against infection.

You should proactively seek the vaccine if you’ve been in one of the environments where hepatitis A is known to spread:

•         Mexico 
•         South or Central America 
•         Areas with poor sanitation 
•         Restaurants that have reported a hepatitis A outbreak 

Close contact with someone known to be infected is also a cause for concern. Should a roommate, caregiver, or sexual partner have hepatitis A, you should ask your doctor about the vaccine.

Can CBD Help?

As it is a short-term illness, much research on CBD and hep A has not been done. However, CBD may help quell some of the common symptoms of the infection. Research has demonstrated the potential of CBD to manage pain, relieve nausea, and promote a healthy appetite.

If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A or you have recently visited an area with poor sanitation, it’s essential you reach out to your doctor. They can go over your symptoms and diagnose the underlying issue. Should they recommend CBD for your symptoms, they may also have a preferred product or brand they trust.