IBD refers to the chronic inflammation of all or some regions of the digestive tract that periodically flairs up. In general, patients with IBD are at an increased risk of infection, especially when receiving steroid or immunosuppressant treatment. The type of immunosuppresive drug and the patient's sex and age affect the nature and magnitude of this risk. Some COVID-19 symptoms mirror IBD manifestations, so it is currently recommended that medical practitioners test known IBD patients for a SARS-CoV-2 infection before assuming that their symptoms are the result of their autoimmune disorder.

• IBD in COVID-19 Patients by Geographic Location
• A guide to minimizing spread of infectious diseases for IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic