The Impact of COVID-19 Virus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence

Spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in unique challenges to individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition affecting the gut. The virus behind the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, uses ACE2 receptors—found in abundance in the gastrointestinal tract—to infect human cells, which explains why some COVID-19 patients experience digestive symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. For individuals with IBD, who often rely on immune-suppressing medications to manage their condition, this has raised concerns about their vulnerability to the virus and the safety of continuing treatment. The good news is that research shows having IBD doesn’t necessarily raise the probability of contracting the COVID-19. However, certain treatment, like corticosteroids, may make severe outcomes more likely. Vaccination is especially important for IBD patients and has been shown to be safe, though its effectiveness might be slightly reduced depending on their medications. Despite the challenges, it’s crucial for people with IBD to stay on top of their care during the pandemic, as skipping treatment can lead to flares and complications. This review highlights the need for thoughtful management of IBD during these unprecedented times and aims to reassure patients that balancing treatment and infection prevention is possible.