‘Caution needed’ on hospital visits for patients with blood-borne viruses during pandemic
Initiation of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C can be deferred in people with pre-cirrhosis stages of liver disease if services are stretched during the COVID-19 pandemic, new guidance suggests.
But it’s important patients who have cirrhosis try to keep to their schedule of surveillance ultrasounds.
ASHM (the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine) has released a set of documents to help clinicians manage adults living with blood-borne viruses and reduce their risk of coronavirus infection by minimising contact with hospitals.
Associate Professor Edwina Wright, chair of the society’s taskforce on blood-borne viruses, sexual health and COVID-19, said the recommendations provide practical advice.
