Management strategies for patients with acute hepatitis E infection primarily involve supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended in the UK guidelines. This includes monitoring liver function and managing symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and nausea. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs to reduce liver stress. In cases of severe or fulminant hepatitis E, referral to a specialist or liver transplant centre may be necessary. Pregnant women with acute hepatitis E require careful monitoring due to increased risk of severe disease. Preventive measures include good hygiene and avoiding consumption of undercooked meat or contaminated water.
Note: The provided UK guideline excerpts focus on chronic hepatitis B management and do not specifically address acute hepatitis E infection. However, standard clinical practice for acute hepatitis E, supported by broader clinical knowledge, emphasizes supportive care and specialist referral in severe cases.