People with a liver condition might be more at risk from infections. Including food poisoning and common diseases like COVID-19.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults with a liver condition
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
If you have cirrhosis you are more likely to become seriously ill if you pick up an infectious condition.
You are more likely to get an infection if you take immunosuppressant medicines. These stop your immune system working properly. So it is harder for you to fight off bugs.
If your liver is very badly damaged (liver failure) then you will be at more risk of infections caused by bacteria, including chest and urine infections.
Whatever type of liver condition you have, there are ways to reduce your risk. Find out more by clicking on the links below.
On this page:
Get Vaccinated
If you have a liver condition you might be asked to have extra vaccines. Including COVID-19 boosters and autumn flu vaccines. It is very important to have these vaccines.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccines for people with a liver condition here.
Find out more about other vaccines for you and those closest to you here.
Wash your hands well, even if you wore gloves, when you:
- get home
- after going on public transport or to a busy public place
- after gardening or going to a park
- after changing a nappy or litter tray
- after going to the toilet
Use soap and rub it all over your hands, front and back and between your fingers for about 40 seconds. This is roughly the time it takes to sing “happy birthday to you” twice.
The NHS have a hand washing video here.
Reduce your risk of food poisoning
If you have recently had a transplant, you will be told to avoid some foods for a few months.
You can find out more about foods to avoid after a transplant here.
If you have not recently had a transplant, then you do not need to avoid particular foods. But it is still sensible to follow some basic food hygiene rules.
Other ways to reduce your risk of getting an infection
- Try to avoid close contact with someone with an infectious condition.
E.g. Children with chicken pox, or someone with an obvious cold.
- Wear gloves for gardening and for cleaning up litter trays, bird cages, or dog poo.
- If it makes you feel more comfortable, wear a face mask on public transport or in other crowded public places.
- Wash your hands well before you eat or prepare food.
- Brush your teeth after every meal and see a dentist every 6 months.
- Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed.
Use nail clippers to cut your toenails. Follow the shape of your toes and use an emery board to smooth any rough edges or corners.
- Keep cuts and grazes clean.
Wash them thoroughly then put on a clean dry plaster or dressing. Check it regularly to make sure it is healing.
- If you use tampons, choose the smallest size you can.
Change them regularly and do not use them overnight.
Support
How Liver UK can help
A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.
We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.
Your feedback
This content was last reviewed: January 2024
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
More from Liver UK
Check your risk
Find out more
Support us
Find out more
Keep up to date
Find out more