Hepatitis E: symptoms, how it is caught, risks and recovery

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which UKHSA describes as a virus that can infect both animals and humans. UKHSA says the infection usually produces a mild disease, though symptoms can range from none at all to liver failure and, in rare cases, death.

Liver UK says that after picking up the virus there is an incubation period of about 2 to 6 weeks, and then it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the body to get rid of the virus.

Liver UK lists hepatitis E on its own page, separately from the other hepatitis viruses, because it has its own causes, risks and course.

Liver UK says that in the UK hepatitis E is usually picked up from eating undercooked meat. Because the virus infects animals as well as humans, UKHSA includes hepatitis E among its animal-associated infections.

The types of hepatitis E found in some other parts of the world can be very dangerous in pregnancy, Liver UK says, which is one reason why a pregnant person with symptoms after travel should be assessed promptly.

Most people will have no symptoms of hepatitis E, according to Liver UK. Around 1 in 20 people who pick up hepatitis E will get symptoms of liver damage.

Hepatitis E can sometimes cause more serious problems, either for your liver or for other parts of your body, Liver UK says, and it has separate pages on problems in other parts of the body and on pregnancy.

Liver UK says people who already have another liver condition, are immunosuppressed or are pregnant are at greater risk of serious illness from hepatitis E, including people who have had an organ transplant. For people at risk, hepatitis E can be a short but sometimes serious condition.

In some cases it can become a long-term (chronic) condition. This is most likely to happen in people who are immunosuppressed, especially after a transplant, but Liver UK says it is very rare. UKHSA says that in people with suppressed immune systems the virus can cause persistent infection, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the liver.

Liver UK lists tests as a separate topic that this guide has not drawn on, and UKHSA lists diagnostic laboratory services for hepatitis E. Liver UK says most people will get better in a few weeks with no medical treatment. Chronic hepatitis E can be treated with antiviral drugs.

Ask your GP or specialist for advice specific to your situation, for example about alcohol and medicines, particularly if you already have liver disease.

Because Liver UK identifies undercooked meat as the usual route in the UK, thorough cooking of meat is the practical step. The Liver UK hub page lists a separate prevention page, which this guide did not rely on for specifics, so ask your GP or consult UKHSA guidance if you want detailed advice, especially if you are pregnant, immunosuppressed or have liver disease.

UKHSA also publishes guidance for health professionals on the health protection response to reports of infection.

Liver UK says most people get better in a few weeks with no medical treatment. If you have a pre-existing liver condition, are immunosuppressed or pregnant, ask your clinician what follow-up is appropriate.

If you are in a higher-risk group and become unwell, seek medical advice promptly through your GP or NHS 111.

Testing and follow-up are available through your GP and NHS liver or infection services. Public health teams use UKHSA guidance for managing reports of infection.

Private blood tests and consultations exist, and results should be shared with your GP, especially where pregnancy or immunosuppression is involved.