COVID-19: What People With Crohn’s Disease Should Know

Medically Reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD on September 10, 2023
4 min read

Having Crohn’s doesn’t make you more likely to get exposed to the new coronavirus. But it may make you more likely to have a harder time with it if you do catch it.

Certain people are more likely to become very ill if they get COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. That includes people who take medications that suppress, or weaken, their immune system.

Many things can lower your immunity, including chronic illness, recent surgery, or medication. Any of those things might apply to you. Some, but not all, Crohn’s drugs suppress your body’s immune response.

Doctors are still learning about the new coronavirus. But there’s already some expert advice for people with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s.

First things first: It’s especially important for you to follow guidelines to stay home, avoid sick people, keep your distance from people who seem healthy but you don’t live with, wear a mask in public when indoors, wash your hands often, clean items you use often, consider wearing a face mask when you’re in crowded public places, and try not to touch your face.

Stay up to date on vaccines and boosters. On top of that, you’ll also want answers to these questions.

Don’t stop any of your medications. If you’re concerned about them, consult your doctor. Now more than ever, you want to avoid any flares that could send you to the hospital.

Several different types of medications treat Crohn’s, and they act on your body in different ways.

These drugs reduce inflammation and don’t suppress your immune system:

Immunomodulator drugs do affect your immune system. They include:

These drugs stay in your body for months. If you were to stop taking them now (which, again, you shouldn’t do on your own), you’d lose the benefit against Crohn’s without affecting how you might respond to COVID-19.

Biologic and biosimilar drugs also suppress the immune system. These include:

If you use these medicines, experts recommend you take extra precautions. That might include limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings.

If you take steroids (prednisone, prednisolone), you may want to talk to your doctor about lowering the dose or switching drugs. Tapering off steroids is always recommended, but it may be even more important now. 

If you get your treatments as infusions (IVs), you may be worried about going to your doctor to receive them. Here are options:

  • Try to schedule for a time when few people are in the facility to limit being around others.
  • Ask about at-home infusions. But keep in mind that infusion centers are taking extra precautions to ensure patient safety because many people have no choice but to go in.

If your doctor has prescribed an infusion drug that you haven’t started taking yet, you might want to ask your doctor if it makes sense to switch to a drug that you can inject at home.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, and many people who get it have symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a fever. But some people also have diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

There is some evidence that if you were to get COVID-19, it could cause a Crohn’s flare. 

Everyone, according to the CDC, should have over-the-counter medicines to deal with a flu-like illness or cold. That includes cough syrup and pain relievers.

Shortages of common Crohn’s medications haven’t been a problem, and the FDA is tracking supplies.

If you’re more anxious now, given everything that’s going on, you’re not alone. Since stress can trigger flares, it’s important to take care of your emotions. Here are some suggestions:

  • Take breaks from the news.
  • Have a plan for how you will get groceries and other supplies if you need to stay home.
  • If you have a therapist, see if they’re doing online or phone appointments.
  • Check in with your doctor if you have specific health concerns.
  • Look to friends, family, or other people with Crohn’s online for support.
  • Get some exercise. It’s a proven way to tame stress.
  • Find ways to do activities you enjoy. Get outside if you can.