Infections

If you have liver disease, having an infection can be a medical emergency. This is especially important for people with cirrhosis.

 

What infections can you get with with liver disease?

People with liver disease are much more likely than other people to get a bacterial infection (an infection caused by bacteria).

The most common infections you might get are cellulitis (infection in the skin of the legs or belly) urinary tract infections, pneumonia, peritonitis (infection in ascites), dental infection or blood stream infection (sepsis).

Peritonitis or blood stream infection can quickly become life threatening. They need urgent assessment and treatment in a hospital emergency department.

Why you get infections

Problems with the liver affect your immune system. The worse your liver gets, the less you can fight off bacteria. Inflammation in your body also means you are less able to recover from an infection if you catch it.

If you have a viral infection such as COVID-19 or a cold, you may be more likely to develop a bacterial infection.

Tips for managing infections

Bacterial infections must be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic you need depends on which bacteria are causing the infection. Antiviral treatments may be recommended if you develop a viral infection such as COVID-19.

If you have liver disease, it’s important to do what you can to avoid viral and bacterial infections. Here is what you can do.

• Consider vaccination against COVID-19, influenza (the ‘flu’), pneumonia and hepatitis
• Wash your hands before preparing or eating food, and after going to the toilet
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
• Don’t share drink bottles, cups or utensils
• Don’t share needles
• Take any medication prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of infection

When to see your doctor

See your doctor straight away if you notice the signs of an infection:

• Fever and chills
• Redness or pus around a skin wound or in the skin of the legs or belly
• Feeling very tired
• Swollen glands in your neck, armpits or groin
• Pain when you wee, in your chest or in your belly
• Difficulty breathing
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Worsening abdominal pain

Call an ambulance if you are feeling very unwell and it’s getting worse.

Reviewed September 2024