COVID-19 has planted itself as a regular part of our everyday lives. With ongoing mutations and variants developing each month, it is essential to understand how COVID-19 impacts people suffering from kidney disease. Below, we will examine certain risk factors surrounding kidney disease patients, as well as discuss some of the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones protected.
How Does COVID-19 Affect Kidney Disease?
COVID-19 is a developing disease that researchers constantly investigate and learn more about. Because this current strain of coronavirus is so new, the truth is medical professionals are unsure exactly how COVID-19 will impact those with kidney disease. However, it is generally believed that those with kidney disease are at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms from COVID-19.
Further, many of the medications used to treat kidney disease and help the body accept kidney transplants lower the immune system’s effectiveness. Because the immune system is suppressed and functioning at a limited capacity, symptoms from COVID-19 may worsen or last longer for those suffering from kidney disease. People with kidney disease who contract COVID-19 may have more difficulty healing and recovering from infection.
I Have Kidney Disease: What Precautions Should I Take?
It’s extremely important to take appropriate precautions to stay safe through the COVID-19 pandemic if you suffer from kidney disease. To avoid infection, you should:
- Practice good hygiene regularly, washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water.
- Wear a mask when close to other people.
- Avoid crowded spaces. If crowds are unavoidable, be sure to wear a protective mask.
- Get vaccinated and receive appropriate booster vaccinations when eligible.
- Stock up on medications and supplies ahead of time. COVID-19 has created supply chain issues, and many patients are experiencing long delays.
- If there is an outbreak in your location, remain at home as much as possible and limit contact with others.
What Should I Do If I Get COVID-19?
Sometimes, even with the best preventative measures, people can still become infected with COVID-19. If you have kidney disease and test positive for COVID-19, be hyper-vigilant of developing symptoms. Because the kidneys help process toxins from the body, COVID-19 may complicate this process, increasing the virility of the disease. It is imperative to continue taking medication while infected with COVID-19. It is safe and essential for kidney patients to continue dialysis and anti-rejection medicine. While these medications may lower the immune system’s effectiveness, allowing COVID symptoms to persist longer, they are essential for kidney and overall health.
How is CHWC Staying Safe from COVID-19?
All team members at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers (CHWC) are dedicated to keeping you as safe as possible from COVID-19. Every urologist and CHWC team member at Montpelier Hospital, Archbold Medical Center and Bryan Hospital is passionate about patient care and wellbeing. As a result, CHWC is committed to taking the following precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Routine patient screening for COVID-19 symptoms
- Increased PPE (personal protective equipment) for all members of the staff and medical team
- Encouraged vaccination among CHWC employees and community members
- Continued routine cleaning and disinfection
- Strict mask protocol for patients, visitors and employees
To learn more about the actions the team at CHWC is taking, be sure to check out our latest blog article detailing the continued efforts of our caring community. We regularly update our routine practices as we learn more about this disease and how it may impact our urology patients most at risk.
