What if someone with liver problems gets COVID-19? Let's find out exactly what's going on (COVID-19 and Chronic Liver Disease)

We've all gotten used to living with the COVID-19 virus to some extent. Some people are fine with it. But for others, especially those with other long-term illnesses, it can be a bit more serious. So if you have a long-term liver disease, or what we call a 'liver problem,' you need to be a little more careful about this COVID-19 virus . Let's see why that is and how we can protect ourselves.

What is the connection between COVID-19 and your liver?

When something is wrong with your body, we can find it in blood reports, right? Similarly, in some patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19, blood tests have found that their liver enzymes have increased. Specifically, the levels of enzymes called ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) . Simply put, this means that there has been some temporary damage to the liver during the course of the disease.

But the most important thing here is that research has shown that if someone already has a condition like Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis and gets COVID-19, they are at a higher risk of dying than someone without any liver problems. While this may sound scary, it is important to know the truth to stay safe.

Who is at risk for serious COVID-19?

Most people who get COVID-19 have only mild symptoms, and some people get better without any symptoms. But for a small number of people, it can be very serious. This happens when the virus gets into the lungs and causes pneumonia . This is when the lungs swell and fill with fluid like mucus.

When this becomes more severe, it can lead to a condition called ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) . This is a condition where breathing becomes very difficult, sometimes impossible. When this happens, some people may need to be connected to an artificial respiratory aid, or ventilator, to help them breathe.

So there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this serious condition. Let's see what they are.

How can we protect ourselves from this?

Okay, now we know the risks. So how do we protect ourselves? It's very important to follow these steps, especially if you have a risk factor like liver disease.

The first and most important thing is to definitely get the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor and get advice on the right vaccine and booster doses for you.

In addition, be aware of these things:

• Avoid close contact with others. It is especially important to stay away from people who seem sick.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Clean things like your phone, TV remote, kitchen counter, faucets, and light switches with disinfectant regularly.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap. Make it a habit to wash your hands thoroughly every time you come in from outside, before eating , and after using the toilet.