Tips to Taking Care of a Liver Patient During Covid

Liver disease in the form of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis is a serious concern in India with more than 10 lakh cases reported ever year. It has been reported by the World Health Organization that liver disease is the tenth most common cause of death in India, with liver cancer being the fourth common cause of cancer related deaths.

A growing number of people with liver disease are experiencing severe complications as the spread of a new virus, Covid-19, continues. As a matter of fact, more than half of patients afflicted with SARS experienced liver damage as early as 2003. Prognosis of the patients with severe Covid-19 is expected to be poor, as over 90% of these patients will most likely develop liver dysfunction.

While more research is required to fully understand the link between Hepatitis C and liver disease, possible reasons for this include an undesirable immune response from the body which impacts the liver, sepsis, or medication related liver injury. The virus has spread to many people during the second wave of the pandemic, leading to more cases of gastro-intestinal disturbances, which are a sign that the virus may affect non-respiratory organs.

There are numerous ways to care for your liver with intrinsic relevance to the current pandemic.

• Take liver friendly diet: Regular consumption of liver-friendly vegetables can be beneficial in preventing liver damage. These includes antioxidant rich fruits like berries, green tea, olive oil, fatty fish, avocado, bananas, nuts, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
• Not avoid the exercise: Regular exercise is absolutely crucial to liver health. It helps your body to remove toxins, and keeps your heart, brain, and muscles healthy. Even those with specific illnesses like hepatitis should be exercising regularly.
• Avoid drinking the alcohol and binge drinking: Make your liver healthier by staying off smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Don’t forget to also eat well and exercise. Happy Holidays! Use your time for a healthier lifestyle to keep illness at bay during the holidays
• Take covid vaccine: We strongly advise you to take these vaccines if suffering from any chronic liver ailment or are otherwise eligible. Discuss this with your treating doctor.

We are a group of liver specialist in india who aim to achieve world-class awareness in the prevention and management of liver disease. We are a research based, specialist practice with a focus on critical care and emergency paediatrics, please visit a doctor for consultation.