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Navigating Crohn’s and COVID-19: Your Guide to Staying Safe

The Basics: Understanding Crohn’s and COVID-19

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can be debilitating. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to understand how these two conditions interact. Fortunately, having Crohn’s doesn’t increase your risk of catching COVID-19. However, certain situations can indirectly raise your risk:

• Hospitalization during a Crohn’s flare-up
• Taking immunosuppressants to manage Crohn’s
• Using public restrooms regularly during flare-ups

Minimizing Risk: Practical Tips

To reduce your risk of exposure, follow these guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid public restrooms when possible
• Postpone elective medical procedures during the pandemic
• Continue taking your regular medications, but consult your doctor before making any changes

Kids with Crohn’s: What You Need to Know

Research suggests that children with IBD are not more likely to acquire COVID-19 than other kids. If your child has Crohn’s, ensure they continue their regular medications and postpone elective procedures. About 10% of kids who get COVID-19 experience gut symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Immunosuppressants and COVID-19: What’s the Connection?

Immunosuppressants are medications that calm an overactive immune system, commonly used to manage Crohn’s. While they don’t destroy your immune system, they can reduce its ability to fight off viruses. To minimize risk, maintain good hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and avoid close contact with others.

Staying Safe: A Checklist

To reduce your risk of getting COVID-19, remember:

• Stay on your medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid travel unless necessary
• Use virtual meetings and avoid crowded rooms
• Avoid touching your face
• Wear a mask in public or around others outside your household
• Practice social distancing

What to Expect if You Have Crohn’s and Get COVID-19

Currently, there’s no evidence that having Crohn’s increases the severity of COVID-19. If you test positive, consult your gastroenterologist to discuss potential adjustments to your medication plan.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Visit the SECURE-IBD database to stay updated on the latest research and statistics on patients with IBD and COVID-19. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can navigate Crohn’s and COVID-19 with confidence.