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Immunodeficiency caused by cirrhosis
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I fightis thetitis:
Does anyone know if those with cirrhosis are immu compromised by Coronavirus? I'm curious if there are any studies or reports of how the virus affects the liver.
Health to yall! Greg
Docroccin:
There are a few reports. Have you googled? This is how I understand it, but I am no expert. Cirrhosis does not really immunocompromise - which is a reduction in B or T cells (antibodies) - but it does change the cofactors, mainly proteins, that are required for many metabolic processes such as clotting, iron transport, B12 transport and a myriad of others. So you might not recover as well, if infected. Taking immunosuppressant medications, such as used to treat autoimmune hepatitis and other medical situations that may be related to decompensated cirrhosis, can suppress antibodies, ie immunocompromise. Better to get vaccinated and avoid getting the virus.
Lynn K:
In some regards yes we are immunocompromised but as far as qualifying for a covid booster I messaged my hepatologist about this. So even though I’m 63 with cirrhosis for 13 years now and a mild heart valve problem they said I’m not considered immunocompromised by the standards of the fda for a covid booster. They are more talking about those who are severely immune compromised like those who have had an organ transplant and are getting immune suppress of drugs or those with HIV we’re not quite to that level.
They did say today that they’re looking at likely having everyone get Covid boosters eight months after they had their second shot so for me that would be the very beginning of December. And of course my doctor says to get my flu shot as early as possible every year so I’ll be doing that shortly.
And yeah there are a lot of studies out there about liver disease cirrhosis and Covid infection.