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Author Topic: (AU) Everything you might want to know about COVID-19, hep C, and more  (Read 2261 times)

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source: https://www.hep.org.au/hep-c/covid-19-and-hepatitis-c-faq/

COVID-19 and hep C FAQ

Everything you might want to know about COVID-19, hep C, and more

We’ve been asked a lot of questions about how COVID-19 might affect people with hepatitis C (hep C). See below for our answers.
Page updated: 30 March 2021.

Hep C and COVID vaccine
 
I have/had hep C, should I be concerned about getting the COVID vaccine?

NO. There is no reason to be concerned about getting the COVID vaccines. There is no evidence to suggest that the COVID vaccines have any negative impact on a person who has hep C, or who had hep C.

I am on hep C treatment, should I be concerned about getting the COVID vaccine?

NO. There is no reason to be concerned about the COVID vaccines if you’re on hep C treatment. You should definitely keep taking treatment to have the best chance of being cured.

I have cirrhosis of the liver, should I still get the COVID vaccine?

YES. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended for people with cirrhosis. Getting a COVID-19 vaccination may be especially important for people with cirrhosis of the liver who are at increased risk of serious illness should they get COVID-19.

I’ve had a liver transplant, should I still get the COVID vaccine?

YES. People who have had a liver transplant and are on anti-rejection drugs can, and should, still get the COVID vaccination. The vaccine is both safe and effective. People who have had a liver transplant are particularly vulnerable to severe illness if they get COVID-19 and so are encouraged the get the COVID vaccine when offered.

I have hep C, am I at higher risk of catching COVID-19?

NO. There is no evidence that people living with hep C are at higher risk of catching COVID-19.

I have hep C, am I at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19?

NO. There is no evidence that having hep C puts you at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Hep C itself is not a listed health condition that may contribute to more severe illness with COVID-19.

I have hep C so are there extra precautions I need to take against COVID-19?

TAKE THE SAME PRECAUTIONS AS EVERYONE. We all need to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19, whether we have hep C or not, for our health and for our community as a whole.

You should take extra precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19 if you:
– have an additional health condition (see list below >>>CLICK HERE);
– are over 70;
– are over 50 and Aboriginal;
– have a weakened immune system.

I am cured of hep C, am I still at risk with COVID-19?

NO. There is no evidence that people cured of hep C are at higher risk of catching COVID-19 or being severely ill if they do get it.

This is unless you also have a chronic health condition, are over 70, or have a weakened immune system (see list below >>>CLICK HERE).

I’ve been talking to my doctor about hep C treatment, should I wait until this is over to start?

The best time to start hep C treatment is up to you. Unless you have significant liver damage, your hep C treatment can wait a few months as we navigate this pandemic – please talk more to your doctor about it. We certainly recommend starting treatment sooner rather than later so you can be cured and live free of hep C as well as reduce any risk of serious liver damage if your hep C is left untreated.

If you’d like to start treatment and don’t know where to start, get in touch with us at Hepatitis NSW.

Should I keep taking my hep C treatment during this time?

YES. Definitely keep taking your hep C treatment. Only stop taking your treatment if told to by your doctor or specialist.

If you stop taking your treatment, the hep C virus will most likely come back and you won’t be cured..

I’m on hep C treatment, will this make me more at risk with COVID-19? Is my immune system weakened by the treatment?

NO. There is no evidence that hep C treatments affect your immune system or make you more at risk of catching COVID-19.

Hep C medications directly attack the hep C virus; they do not have any impact on your immune system.

Does my hep C treatment give me protection against COVID-19 ?

There is no evidence to suggest hep C treatments have an effect against COVID-19.

I am running out of hep C treatment pills but I’m worried about going to the pharmacy. Can I take it less frequently or wait until this is over?

NO. Definitely keep taking your hep C treatment as normal, unless told not to by your doctor or specialist.

It’s really important to keep taking your hep C treatment pills as normal to have the highest chance of being cured.

Pharmacies are an essential service and will stay open. Call your pharmacy to see if they deliver or can help make your visit quick and safe. You may also be able to get a friend or family member to pick your medication up for you.

Injecting drug use and methadone
 
I’m worried I won’t be able to my access methadone while this COVID-19 crisis is going on.

Lots of NSW methadone (and bupe, suboxone) clinics are changing the way they work with their clients in response to COVID-19. This might include more takeaways, long-acting treatment, or changing conditions at the clinic to maintain social distancing. Talk to your clinic and prescriber about what will work for you during this period.

There may be some issues you or the clinic experiences as these changes are made. If you’re having any difficulty get in touch with us, ADIS or NUAA.

 
Where can I get sterile injecting equipment while this is going on?

Many Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outlets in NSW are changing the way they work with clients and customers. Some injecting equipment can be sent in the post, you can pick up bulk orders, and some opening times might have changed.

The NSP directory can help you find the nearest place to pick up injecting equipment >>>CLICK HERE. Call to see if anything has changed.

You can also contact NUAA who may be able to help out with any injecting equipment needs you might have. NUAA are currently taking mail orders. Call them on 1800 644 413 or contact via their website.

COVID-19 and infection risks
 
I am in rehab, prison, or a hospital, am I at higher risk of COVID-19?

If everyone is following the government’s advice on how to stay safe – including social and physical distancing and washing hands – then we are all lowering our risk of coming into contact with COVID-19. Some places face different challenges in keeping everyone safe.

Rehab facilities are working really hard to protect clients and staff from COVID-19.

Physical distancing inside prisons is difficult but staff are taking action to reduce the risks. Justice Health have assured us that any person in custody who develops coronavirus-like symptoms will be immediately isolated from the general prison population, tested for COVID-19, and provided with a protective mask.

People who work in hospitals are at greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19. All doctors, specialists, nurses, and health staff are doing everything they can to make hospitals as safe as possible.

Should I get the flu vaccine, and will this protect me against COVID-19?

The flu vaccine won’t help protect you against COVID-19, but can protect you against the most common strains of flu this coming flu season. Having the flu and COVID-19 is potentially dangerous, so we strongly recommend getting the flu vaccination.

If you have concerns about going to the doctors at this time we recommend giving your doctor a call to discuss what is the best course of action for you and your health.

Read more about flu vaccinations and COVID-19 >>>CLICK HERE


Liver health and COVID-19
 

I I have liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver, will this make me more at risk with COVID-19?

If you have cirrhosis of the liver there is no evidence that you are at greater risk of catching COVID-19.

Having cirrhosis of the liver may increase the risk of severe illness if you have COVID-19, but the evidence is limited at the moment.

If you have elevated liver enzymes or abnormal liver function test (LFT) as a result of liver disease, you may also be at risk of severe illness if you have COVID-19.

For these reasons, it’s best to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself safe from COVID-19 by following government and medical recommendations.

Everyone with cirrhosis should see their liver specialist regularly. Call and speak to your specialist about what is best for your health.

I normally go for regular liver check-ups, but I’m worried about going to the clinic. What should I do?

All doctors, specialists, nurses, and health staff are doing everything they can to make clinics as safe as possible at this time. We recommend calling your doctor or specialist before any appointment to check. They might do an appointment over the phone (Telehealth) or there might be extra steps and precautions to take when you visit.

For more information on what healthcare is available through Telehealth >>>CLICK HERE


I had a liver transplant. Should I be worried about COVID-19?

If you have had a liver transplant you will be on immunosuppressive medication. There is currently no evidence that being on this medication increases the risk of severe COVID-19 infection.  However long-term transplant patients are at risk of the health conditions that are known to increase the risk of severe COVID-19. For this reason, take particular precautions not to get infected.

Give your specialist a call and discuss your health with them. They’ll be able to advise what steps to take and what is best for your health at this time.

see the full article at the source link ...
« Last Edit: April 20, 2021, 06:07:04 PM by Chip »
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