COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that is mainly spread from person to person through people who are in close contact with one another, touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes or from respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Learn more about how the illness spreads here. 

Older people and those with serious chronic medical conditions, including liver disease patients, are at a higher risk of becoming severely ill from this virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if a coronavirus outbreak happens in your community, it could last a long time. If you are at a higher risk for serious illness from the coronavirus because you have liver disease, it is important to take actions to reduce your risk of being exposed. These actions may slow the spread and reduce the impact of the disease.  

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from Coronavirus, you should follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.

Stock up on supplies

Speak to your medical team about stocking up on necessary medications. If that is not possible, consider using mail-order prescriptions.  

Buy essential household items and groceries so that you are prepared to stay home if there is an outbreak. 

Take everyday precautions

• Avoid other people who are sick 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol
  Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces of your home

Avoid crowds as much as possible

Try to avoid any area or events with a large number of people, especially areas that are not well ventilated.

If you feel sick or have any symptoms – stay at home

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor. 

Medical appointments

Liver Disease patients should still be attending their regular scheduled medical appointments or ask your doctor if they offer telemedicine consultation as an alternative to a physical clinical visit. If you have any concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.  

Travel recommendations

For liver disease patients and/or transplant recipients, contact your healthcare professional or hepatologist with any questions or concerns regarding travel.

Videos

Other Resources for Coping with COVID-19

• US State Resource Centers for the COVID-19 Coronavirus
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Support Resources
• Wellness Tools
• Glossary

ALF COVID-19 Alert Policy

Your health and safety continue to be our number one priority. American Liver Foundation (ALF) staff, board of directors and healthcare advisors are closely monitoring the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. ALF will follow all local, state and federal guidelines. Absent any guidelines to the contrary, for ALF events held indoors or outdoors we recommend, but do not require, participants to wear masks and be appropriately vaccinated and boosted to best protect our patient population. If a change to the current event or program needs to be made, we will provide participants with detailed information on those changes regarding our COVID-19 safety policies.

Please Note: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with underlying medical conditions and older adults are especially vulnerable and need to take the appropriate recommended steps and precautions to prevent infection.

By attending an ALF in-person event, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 10:40 am