Coronavirus (COVID – 19) & Kidney

General information about COVID-19

Coronavirus is spread mainly from person to person. People with kidney disease or other severe chronic medical conditions and older people appear to be at greater risk for more serious Coronavirus illness. Because of this increased risk for kidney patients, it is very important for you to take necessary actions to decrease your possibility of exposure. If a Coronavirus outbreak happens around you, it could be extended for a long time. Below actions can be taken to slow the spread and reduce the intensity of the disease.

If you are at higher risk of getting infected from Coronavirus, you should:

Stock up supply of medicines.
Always wear mask
Take routine precautions to keep proper space between others and yourself. (Keep distance of 6ft.)
While going out in public, keep away from others who are ill, avoid close contact
Wash your hands frequently (At least for 20 Secs)
The Crowd should be avoided as much as possible.
During a Coronavirus outbreak in your neighbourhood, stay home as much as possible.
It is of prime importance that everyone go along with these preventative measures recommended by the Government Stay home if you feel ill or feel any symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills.
Important: Do not miss your treatment if you are on dialysis. If you feel sick or have any concerns, contact your clinic.
Avoid others who are ill: Restrict face-to-face and direct contact with others as much as possible.
Cover sneezes and cough: with a tissue, then dispose it in the trash can. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, if you don’t have a tissue, do not use your hands.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after visiting the bathroom, before having a meal, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Use hand sanitizer (If you don’t have soap and water with 60%-95% alcohol)
Clean very often the things that we touch a lot, like door handles.
Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose.
Facemask should be worn, if your healthcare team or someone from the public health officer says you should.

Below are few common FAQs which can help to clear your doubts

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a type (strain) of Coronavirus. A virus is a very minute (microscopic) kind of germ that can cause an infection. It has ability to replicate in a host, like a person or other living things. You might not always feel ill from viruses. However, viruses can make you critically ill and cause various types of diseases. The disease caused by this virus has different names. The disease is called COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019 for the year in which it first appeared on a global aspect. COVID-19 is also called as “novel coronavirus,” which means a new type of Coronavirus that was not known previously.

Coronaviruses are a group (or family) of viruses that cause different types of illnesses. These illnesses can vary from the common cold to more severe diseases, like severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is also known as SARS-Cov-2 for severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. More information on COVID-19 can be found on Indian Government website.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are mentioned below:

Who is at risk for getting COVID-19?

The risk of getting COVID-19 depends on your location, whether there is an outbreak in your vicinity, and how rapidly that outbreak is spreading. Individuals at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 can include:

People who recently came in close contact with someone suffering with COVID-19.
Healthcare workers taking care of people with COVID-19.
Travellers returning from certain international places where there is COVID-19 outbreak.
People over 65 years of age and those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility are at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Does kidney disease put me at a higher risk?

People suffering with kidney disease and other severe chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for more severe illness. People on dialysis may have weaker immune systems, making it difficult to fight infections. However, it is necessary to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments and to take required precautions as suggested by their healthcare team. People with a kidney transplant need to consume anti-rejection medicines (also called immunosuppressive medicines). These medicines work by decreasing the activity of immune system, which can make it difficult to fight infections. It is important to keep taking these medicines. It is also necessary to wash hands frequently, maintain good hygiene and follow the suggestions from their healthcare team.

Are there some special precautions that someone with kidney disease should take?

Please remember that if you are on dialysis, do not miss your treatments. Contact your clinic if you feel ill or have any questions or doubt. If you have a kidney transplant, it is vital to remember to keep taking your anti-rejection medicines at time, maintain good hygiene and follow the suggestions from your healthcare team. Contact your healthcare team with any questions or concerns.

Should I go to my dialysis treatments?

Yes, you should go for all of yours dialysis treatments. Missing even one treatment can make you very ill or can be fatal. Dialysis centers have been provided with strict guidelines on how to keep you safe from COVID-19. If you’re feeling ill in any way, please call your center before you come for your treatment.

What should I do before going to my dialysis center?

If you are facing any respiratory symptoms, you should call the center before your visit. Keep hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Wear Face mask during dialysis session.

Are transplant recipients at increased risk of getting COVID-19?

Because transplant recipients take immunosuppressive drugs, they have a greater risk of infection from viruses such as cold or flu. To decrease the risk of getting the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19, transplant patients should follow the Doctors guidance on how to avoid catching or spreading germs, and contact their health care professional if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.