COVID-19 and Liver Disease: Which Liver Patients Are at an Increased Risk?

Hello, darlings <3

While I had anticipated kicking off this blog with a finely crafted introduction to who I am and why I've started a wellness coaching practice, life would insist otherwise. With the onslaught of illness brought on by COVID-19, it is my main focus to keep you informed and up to date with the most relevant and credible information possible, from the scientists and experts themselves, and as it pertains to your particular health circumstances. Your health is my number one priority. As I hope very much that your own health is your number one priority as well.

In this video, Dr Saab (Hepatologist out of UCLA) clearly spells out the particulars of COVID-19 and how it may affect your health given your particular liver condition.

Main points:

Most at risk:

1) Autoimmune Liver Disease Patients

2) Liver Transplant Recipients

3) Liver Cancer Patients

Also,

4) Elderly With Liver Disease

5) Cirrhosis Patients

Concerns around consequences of CODID-19 with liver patients:

1) Transplantation

2) Stable liver disease patients exposed to COVID-19 may make liver tests worse (this may be a temporary problem based on what we've seen so far)

Best treatment? PREVENTION!*

1) Avoid unnecessary travel

2) Wash hands for 20 seconds

3) Avoid groups larger than 10

4) Avoid restaurants and coffee shops

5) Social Distancing- stay 6 feet away from people in public

*Note: These guidelines are from 3/20/2020 and subject to change as we learn more about the virus. I would personally add, STAY INSIDE if you are a person with a liver issue. Additionally, be very selective of who enters your home. The governor in my state in the U.S. (Oregon) is considering telling folks with chronic illness to stay home and take the temperature of anyone entering your home before letting them enter. When I was first discharged from the hospital in 2018, I had a MELD score of 38 (40 upon arrival at the hospital) and my doctors very clearly told me not to let anyone into my room who was sick and to sanitize everything all the time. I was told a common cold would be enough to throw my liver into fatal failure). This is serious stuff and you matter and your life matters! The more careful you are, the least likely you are to find yourself in a scary situation. So, be safe and smart and breathe and laugh and appreciate today. And, if you find yourself needing some extra support during this time, I'm taking clients and eager to help <3

All my love to you and yours,

Sue