Health Maintenance in Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Patients with liver disease are at an increased risk of worsening of their underlying liver disease by contracting viral hepatitis and should be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Patients with cirrhosis in particular have an increased risk of worsening liver function from influenza or pneumococcal infection and thus should be vaccinated. Cirrhotics should avoid live vaccines if feasible due to the potential risk of developing infection.