The data is not currently clear if liver patients are at a higher risk of infection.
CDC has specifically highlighted how liver diseases and cancer are impacted by COVID-19. The increased likelihood of obesity and diabetes associated with NASH patients does put those patients at a higher risk. Those particular pre-existing conditions are commonly cited as putting individuals at an increased risk of COVID-19. For those who were hospitalized, a large majority had pre-existing conditions like those commonly present in NASH patients. Liver cancer patients may also be at a higher risk for severe COVID-19. There is an increased risk for hospitalization and ICU admission for patients with cancer when compared to the general public. It is also possible that liver transplant patients are at a higher risk, in comparison to other types of transplant patients.
Overall, there still remains very limited data on how certain pre-existing conditions, like liver disease, impact the risk of COVID-19 so proper precautions should continue to be taken.
2. As a liver patient, if I am infected will I have a more severe course of the disease?
While there is still very limited data, some immunosuppression drugs may have a positive impact on the outcomes of more severe COVID-19 cases. There have been small studies conducted that have concluded that while they may not reduce the chances of infection, immunosuppressive drugs could potentially reduce the severity and chances of death. Additionally, some early reports from Italy indicate that weaker immune response may lead to a milder reaction and less lung damage.