COVID -19 information for people with IBD

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 was a time of uncertainty for all people, particularly those living with IBD or reduced immunity. Since 2020 research has given us high quality information to assess the risk that COVID-19 presents to people with IBD and to manage this respiratory infection (also known as coronavirus). 

COVID-19 is a highly contagious infection which spreads from person to person. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and are more likely to be serious in some groups such as older people, people with other medical conditions and pregnant people.

Early indications were that COVID-19 may be more severe or common in people with IBD, but research has shown that:

• People with IBD are not more likely to get COVID-19
• People with IBD are not more likely to have severe illness with COVID-19

General information about who is at more at risk of COVID-19 can be found on the government website at:

https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/protect-yourself-and-others/high-risk-groups

Your risk of getting COVID-19 may increase if:

• Your COVID-19 vaccination is not up to date
• Your IBD is not well controlled (flares)
• You are on steroids or some other immunosuppressant medication
• You have other health conditions
• You are an older person or of some ethnicities

 More information on vaccination eligibility in Australia is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines

Many of the commonly used medicines for IBD do not increase your risk of getting COVID-19 or having more sever COVID-19. So, you should speak to your medical team before making any changes to your IBD medication in relation to COVID-19.