Are people with hepatitis B or C at higher risk for COVID-19? Tips to keep your liver healthy during pandemic
We are in the midst of a pandemic, which has changed life as we know it. The novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) can infect anyone, however, people with chronic liver disease and other health conditions, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, may have concerns related to the risk of COVID-19. There have been numerous reports stating that coronavirus disease can result in liver injury.
Can COVID-19 damage your liver?
According to a review published in Clinical Liver Disease, up to 50 per cent of COVID-19 patients may have hepatic manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic abnormalities in hepatic biochemical tests to the rare case of acute liver failure. However, researchers aren’t clear about the cause for hepatic manifestations at this stage as it can be caused by a variety of reasons.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some hospitalised COVID-19 people had increased levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicating temporary damage of the liver. The CDC states that more work is required to determine if this increase in liver enzyme levels is directly linked with the SARS-CoV-2 virus being in the liver or other factors that can damage the liver.
Do people with hepatitis B/C at higher risk for COVID-19?
Currently, there’s no evidence that people suffering from hepatitis B and hepatitis C have a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. However, experts warned that older adults and individuals who have serious underlying health issues such as liver disease may be at a higher risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. Also, it remains unclear whether COVID-19 infection leads to worse outcomes in patients with pre-existing hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection.
How can people with hepatitis stay safe during COVID -19 crisis?
The fact is, avoiding exposure to coronavirus is the best way to protect oneself against COVID-19. Safety guidelines for people with hepatitis are the same as those with other underlying health conditions. People with hepatitis B or hepatitis C should take preventive measures such as:
- Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or using a hand sanitiser
- Adopting good respiratory etiquette
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Continuing with your treatment and taking medicines as directed by your physician
Additionally, patients should make a prior appointment with the doctor and take adequate measures to avoid contracting the virus when going for the treatment.
Tips to keep your liver healthy during the pandemic
As we live through the pandemic, it is essential for those suffering from hepatitis to be cautious about keeping up the health of their liver, said Dr Dinesh Kini K Director - Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. And here are a few tips that will help you keep your liver healthy:
- Keep an eye on the nutrition labels and make informed food decisions that are particularly favourable for liver health.
- If possible, get fresh fruits and vegetables and freeze them for the upcoming weeks.
- Prefer home cooked foods as acute hepatitis A and E are foodborne.
- Do not give up on physical activities, both indoor and outdoor. Do indoor exercises and go out for a pinch of fresh air in a private garden or rooftop. Maintain social distancing for outdoor activities and get creative for indoor workouts.
- Maintain a healthy weight as being overweight or obese can cause fatty liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Beware of over-the-counter/unauthorized herbs for any conditions during the pandemic as most of these can be toxic to the liver.
A healthy lifestyle that includes eating a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B can help you protect and keep your liver healthy.