The following groups could be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19:1

  • people with weakened immune systems
    (e.g. people on immune suppressing medications, people receiving cancer treatments)
  • people aged over 70 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 50 years or older with a chronic medical condition
  • people over 65 years old with chronic medical conditions.2

There is no evidence to suggest people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C who are well are at greater risk of infection with COVID-19.3,4 However, current information suggests some people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C who also have other conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes will likely have an increased risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19.3,4

People who have developed advanced liver diseases (including cirrhosis) and deteriorating health as a result of hepatitis B or C should be vigilant in protecting themselves from contracting COVID-19 as they are at risk of more serious illness. This includes people who have ongoing health conditions as a result of a previous hepatitis C infection which has been cured.

References

  1. (2021, July). Physical distancing and how to avoid COVID-19. Retrieved from healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-avoid-infection-faqs
  2. (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses
  3. (2020, April 9). ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce interim recommendations regarding COVID-19 and adults living with chronic hepatitis B. Retrieved from ASHM: https://ashm.org.au/covid-19/clinical-care/hbv/
  4. (2020, April 15). ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce interim recommendations regarding COVID-19 and adults living with hepatitis C, or the complications of previous hepatitis C infection. Retrieved from ASHM: https://ashm.org.au/covid-19/clinical-care/hcv/

Updated 21 July 2021