More than 4 in 5 people who have symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, get only mildly sick. But if you have ongoing health issues, including liver disease, the virus may be more likely to leave you seriously ill.
Link Between COVID-19 and Your Liver
According to the CDC, some patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have had increased levels of liver enzymes — such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This means a person’s liver is at least temporarily damaged during their illness.
In addition, studies indicate that people with preexisting liver disease (chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or related complications) who were diagnosed with COVID-19 are at higher risk of death than people without preexisting liver disease.
Serious COVID-19
Most people with COVID-19 symptoms get better on their own. And a sizeable number of people who catch COVID-19 show no signs. But a small portion of people do fall severely ill or die. They may get severe lung problems, such as pneumonia and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Pneumonia can swell your airways and fill your lungs with fluid. That can lead to ARDS, which makes it hard or impossible for you to breathe. Some people may need a ventilator.
Things that may raise your chances of severe COVID-19 include if you:
- Are over 65
- Live in a nursing home
- Have a weakened immune system because of HIV, autoimmune hepatitis, and organ transplant
- Are obese
- Have type 2 diabetes
- Have heart disease
- Have kidney disease with dialysis
- Have a lung disease like asthma or COPD
- Have cancer
- Have mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder
How to Protect Yourself
You can take these steps to help you avoid COVID-19.
First, get vaccinated. If you have a higher risk for illness, you might:
- Avoid close contact with others, especially those who may be sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch often, such as phones, TV remotes, countertops, faucets, and light switches.
If you think you might have symptoms of COVID-19, like a fever or dry cough, call your doctor.
