Does COVID-19 damage the liver?

Due to COVID-19, many patients have been hospitalized and there is an increased level of liver enzymes. When the enzyme level increases in the body, the liver is affected temporarily. People with cirrhosis are at higher risk of getting COVID-19. In case, someone has a pre-existing liver disease or problem and they are diagnosed with COVID-19 then in them the risk of death is higher.

Do people with hepatitis C and hepatitis B have a higher risk of getting illness?

No matter what your age and if you have underlying problems like the ones related to the liver then your chances to have a severe problem due to COVID-19 will increase. Controlling your medical condition is important so you should start the treatment for Hepatitis B and C.

Are hepatocellular carcinoma patients at increased risk of getting severe COVID-19?

Patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma which occurs due to chronic liver problems like Hepatitis B and hepatic C are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 with severe stage. Due to cancer, the patient’s immune system will become weak and they are at increased risk of getting an infection.

Is there still a risk of hepatitis A due to COVID in patients who have got that in the past?

With studies, it is clear that there is still an increase in getting Hepatitis A due to COVID-19. The patients need to take the necessary measures for their safety like wearing the mask, stay away from people at least 6 feet, do not go to a poorly ventilated space, and wash their hands often. Make sure that you talk to the health care provider and understand what measures you need to take.

What should patients with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C do?

Most important thing is to avoid exposure and take all the preventive measures so that the underlying condition is addressed. You should get yourself vaccinated against the COVID-19. Despite, getting the vaccination you still need to:

• Wear a mask

• Avoid crowded areas

• Sanitize your hands

• Stay away from people infected with COVID-19

• Cover your hands and mouth while sneezing & coughing

Make sure that you keep your immune system healthy and it will make a difference in your overall health.

What should I do if I think I am suspected of COVID-19?

You need to call the healthcare provider right away when you notice the symptoms. In case you have met someone who has had COVID-19, make sure to get yourself tested. Discuss with the doctor what you need to do and how you can reduce the spread of this deadly virus.

What can people with chronic liver problems do to protect themselves from COVID-19?

Following preventive measures are important so that you do not get sick. Along with that, you should take your Hepatitis B and C medications on time. Make sure that you keep medications at home so that you do not have to go outside again and again.

Also, make sure that you talk to the doctor about what vaccination you need to take.

You need to avoid the consumption of alcohol and smoking. Till the time, everything does not come back to normal, it is better that you avoid going out and do not visit the places with a crowd.

Are antivirals effective for treating hepatitis B and C can be used for COVID-19?

At present, no research tells that hepatitis medication can be useful for addressing the symptoms of COVID-19. Make sure that you consult the doctor on which medication is best suited for your condition. You should not take any medication unless your doctor has suggested it to you.

If you are worried about your liver health, then book your initial consultation with our health expert at the earliest.

Take care of your liver

The liver is one of the most versatile body organs and it is important to take proper care of the same. Make sure that you do not let the condition reach the stage of liver failure. Liver diseases can be mild to incurable chronic liver cirrhosis. If you do anything which puts your liver at risk then it will increase the chances of liver diseases. Therefore, you must visit the best Liver Hospital in Punjab and take proper care of yourself as told by the doctor. Dr. Grin has helped countless patients with liver disease and his expertise has helped him to handle many of the complicated cases. As the best Gastro doctor in Ludhiana, he makes sure that once you step into his hospital you feel safe and get the ultimate solution to all your health issues.

What are the tips to prevent hepatitis?

• Maintain your body weight

If you are overweight then it will trigger fatty liver and then eventually cirrhosis. Your diet must contain less amount of fat so that it can function properly. If the fat cells are affected then it increases the risk of liver scars on the organs & normal functioning is impacted.

• Drink alcohol in moderation

You need to limit the consumption of alcohol to 1 to 2 drinks per day. If you go beyond this limit, then there are increased chances of liver damage and it is impossible to get it repaired. With time, it can lead to inflammation and irritation. If you keep on drinking alcohol then there will be an increased risk of developing cirrhosis.

• Get yourself vaccinated

It makes a difference and protects your body against viral liver problems. So, make sure that you get the vaccination for Hepatitis A and B. Aso, make sure that you complete the vaccination and do not leave that in-between as it won’t benefit you in any manner. So, you should consult the doctor about which vaccination you need to get.

• Take the medication on time

If you are regularly consuming aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other abusive substance, then your liver health will decline gradually. You must limit the consumption of painkillers daily. In case you are already suffering from some kind of liver disease, then without consulting the doctor you should not take any medication. Like you need to be careful when you take Vitamin A, iron, and minerals.

• Personal hygiene is important

Make sure that you follow the person’s hygiene every single day. Not only it will prevent the risk of liver disease but many other chronic health issues will be reduced. For that you need to:

• Wash your hands daily

• Practice safe sex

• Drink water in the right amount

• Eat healthy food

• Not sharing needles

• While traveling, do not have contaminated food

• Do not share your stuff

Make your lifestyle proper, stay healthy, eat the right kind of food and follow the doctor religiously, you will see notice in your health.