How can you protect yourself against against COVID-19? Expand The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all Australians throughout 2021. It is being released in phases to different groups of people based on level of risk. Hepatitis Australia has provided answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccination for people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Aside from vaccination, the latest information advises that good hygiene and social distancing are the best ways to protect against COVID-19. You should: wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues and wash your hands immediately after regularly clean and disinfect surfaces you use often, such as benchtops and door handles stay at least 1.5 metres from people you don’t live with as much as possible, and avoid crowded places avoid contact with people who are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms stay home if you are unwell avoid touching your face avoid handshaking, kissing or hugging with people you don’t live with wear a mask if you are in an area with community transmission, and where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transport.1 References (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 Updated 21 July 2021
How do you get COVID-19? Expand COVID-19 can spread by: direct contact such as by touching each other indirect contact such as by touching contaminated objects or surfaces. When people with the virus sneeze, cough or touch surfaces, they may leave infected droplets on these surfaces close contact through mouth or nose secretions of infected people. These secretions are released from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing. To avoid contact with these droplets, it is important to: maintain physical distance by staying at least 1.5 metres away from others clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser cover your mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when sneezing or coughing clean surfaces regularly.1 References (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses Updated 21 July 2021
What are the risks of COVID-19 for people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand 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 (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 (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses (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/ (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
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Expand If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help. The virus will affect individuals differently. Most people who come in contact with the virus will experience a mild illness but can still spread the virus to others, which is why isolation from others is important. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (a temperature of 37.5ËC or higher) chills or night sweats cough sore throat tiredness (fatigue) difficulty breathing headache muscle pain (myalgia) loss of sense of smell (anosmia) distortion of sense of taste (dysgeusia) nausea and vomiting joint pain loss of appetite runny nose acute blocked nose (congestion).1 Uncommon symptoms may also occur. These include chest pain, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis. If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you should consider being tested for COVID and seek medical advice early. If you think you could have contracted COVID-19, you should call ahead before visiting a doctor. References (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses Updated 21 July 2021
What can you do to protect yourself if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand People living with hepatitis B or C should use the same protective measures recommended for the general population. Be vigilant and follow the recommended measures to protect yourself against COVID-19. Consult a healthcare provider if in doubt about your risk. People with significant liver disease are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease. These are funded for people aged 65 and over, and the influenza vaccine is funded for all people with chronic liver disease. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of severe respiratory illness, and quitting smoking may reduce your chances of complications due to COVID-19. Updated 21 July 2021
What is COVID-19? Expand COVID-19 is caused by a new strain of coronavirus that was first reported in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. For the most current and free advice on COVID-19 please visit the national healthdirect website. Updated 21 July 2021
What should you do if you care for someone who has a chronic health condition or compromised immune system? Expand If you’re caring for a person who has a chronic health condition or compromised immune system, it’s important to take extra care with handwashing and infection precautions. If you are unwell in any way, it is best to avoid contact with the person while you are unwell. Providing practical support to people who at higher risk of COVID-19, such as assisting with shopping, collect prescriptions or other errands can also be helpful. You may be able to help them schedule a COVIDâ19 vaccination. Check that you have a plan in place to seek help if you or the person you are caring for become unwell. This may include checking in with them more regularly, having access to a phone and important phone numbers handy and ensuring medications are accessible. Updated 21 July 2021
Will COVID-19 mean any change to treatment and care for hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Expand People living with hepatitis B or C who are currently taking treatment should not change or stop their treatment unless advised to do so by their treating doctor. People should be aware that recent changes restricting prescriptions to a one-month supply of medications means ensuring you plan and avoid missing doses. There is nothing to suggest that the availability of medications used for hepatitis B or C will be reduced due to COVID-19. Monitoring your health will continue to be important and you should keep seeing your doctor as usual. You should check with your healthcare provider to see what arrangements they are putting in place. There may be telehealth options if you are worried about visiting in person. If you have an appointment with your doctor it is good to consider asking your doctor for a liver health check if you have not had one in the last six months. Updated 21 July 2021