A 38-year-old man from rural India presents with jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Serum bilirubin is 8.2 mg/dL (direct 6.1 mg/dL), ALT 1200 IU/L, AST 980 IU/L, and ALP 180 IU/L. Serological testing shows anti-HAV IgM positive, anti-HBc negative, anti-HCV negative. Which of the following is NOT true regarding his condition?