{"id":3172,"date":"2020-03-23T16:37:41","date_gmt":"2020-03-23T07:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hepatitissa.asn.au\/blog\/?p=1242"},"modified":"2024-05-24T00:48:31","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T15:18:31","slug":"coronavirus-and-hepatitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hepatitissa.asn.au\/communitynews\/2020\/03\/coronavirus-and-hepatitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus and Hepatitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People with weakened immune systems (e.g. people on immune suppressing medications, people receiving cancer treatments), older people especially those aged over 70 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly at risk from the effects of COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means some people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C could be at greater risk of serious health complications if they become infected with COVID-19. In particular, if you have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C for some time, and have developed advanced liver diseases (including cirrhosis), this makes severe COVID-19 illness more likely. This includes people who have ongoing health conditions as a result of a previous hepatitis C infection, even if that infection has been cured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or have previously had hepatitis C, the COVID-19 crisis is a good reminder to consider asking your doctor for a liver health check if you have not had one in the last six months. Be vigilant, use basic measures to protect yourself against COVID-19, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt about your risk, especially if you have been around someone who has travelled overseas recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with significant liver disease are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease. These are funded for people aged 65 and over, and influenza vaccine is funded for all people with chronic liver disease. It is a good idea to make an appointment with your GP to discuss vaccination as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It is important that people with gastrointestinal and liver conditions remain under care through the COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If you are currently taking treatment for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or other chronic conditions, it is recommended to ensure you have an adequate stock of your medication to reduce unnecessary visits to health services or pharmacies. Your medications were prescribed to manage your medical condition and to keep your condition well controlled. Stopping medication poses a risk of poor disease control. Any adjustments to your medications should only occur in discussion with your treating clinician. If you are unwell with COVID-19 then the doctors treating you may temporarily stop some of your medications. Your specialist should be notified if this happens as alternative medications may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important that people with gastrointestinal and liver conditions remain under care through the COVID-19 outbreak. Hospital clinics and specialists are reducing the numbers of people attending for routine review. Some people with active issues of concern may need to be seen for a face-to-face consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, from 13 March 2020 tele-consultations with a specialist via video-conference is covered by Medicare. As older people and those with chronic illnesses or who are immuno-suppressed may be at increased risk if they develop COVID-19 infection, these video-conference consultations provide a way of receiving specialist review of your condition without the infection risk associated with visiting the clinic. Contact your specialist to discuss whether a tele-health consultation is appropriate for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 is a coronavirus. Coronaviruses can make humans and animals sick. Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). This new coronavirus originated in 2019, and so this  disease outbreak is named COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coronavirus is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n