Coronavirus( COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered deadly virus. Most people infected with the covid-19 virus experience mild to moderate respiratory illness. But those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Kidney disease is also a common chronic disease and the patients suffering from kidney diseases are usually considered to be at a higher risk of being infected by the covid-19 virus. Patients with kidney disease also have other medical comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, which are considered high-risk factors in Covid-19. People on dialysis usually have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight back infections especially in this covid-19 outbreak. Kidney patients should continue with their regular schedule of dialysis treatment and take necessary precautions as recommended by their concerned doctors.
Here are a few guidelines for Patients with Kidney problems in this Covid-19 outbreak
- If a person is a dialysis patient, he/she should not miss their routine treatment. If anybody with an acute kidney disease feels sick, they should immediately contact a member of the healthcare team or their family doctor without any delay.
- For early kidney patients or transplant recipients, contact your nephrologist with any concerns or questions but do not do anything without their approval.
- Patients with a kidney transplant need to take immunosuppressive medicines/ anti-rejection medicines. These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active which makes it even harder to fight viruses or external infections. So, adhering to the precautions and prevention guideline becomes 10x important for these patients.
- If anybody suffering from any medical comorbidities and is at high risk of getting sick and infected from covid-19, then they should:
- Srock on some essential supplies
- Wash hands often
- Avoid crowded places as much as possible
- Try to stay at home and do not step out other than for the emergency purpose
- Maintain a good hygienic life
- Keep taking any medicines that are being prescribed
- Follow recommendations from the doctors /healthcare team
- Use masks while indoor/outdoor
- Follow social distancing
- Should opt for work from home facility
Food Items to be kept in stock for Kidney patients during the Pandemic
Fruits
- Sugar-free canned fruits
- Dried fruits
- Fruit juice(home-made)
Vegetables
- Beets
- Carrots
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Pumpkin
- Sweet pea
- chestnuts
Protein
- Meat ( chicken)
- Dried beans and peas
- Salt-free butter
- Unsalted nuts and seeds
Dairy
- Dry milk solids
- Evaporated milk
- Almond /soy milk
Grain
- Whole grain, bread, and pasta
- Brown rice/white rice
- Rolled oats
- Cooked cereals
- Unsalted crackers
Prioritize mental health: The most common cause for health complications in people with chronic kidney diseases like patients on dialysis or those who have received kidney transplants is panic, anxiety and depression. The fear of falling ill, suffering pain and in some cases the fear of death leads to further deterioration in mental and physical health. With all the negativity spreading from the Covid Pandemic, patients with kidney ailments or any chronic diseases should stay away from any sort of negative news or information that creates panic. Considering the unprecedented situation, people suffering from depression should immediately medical help and should stay connected and continue to communicate with their friends, colleagues, and relatives.
Last but the most important thing is to get vaccinated as soon as possible to lower down the risk of getting infected during this pandemic.
Get Vaccinated: A new comprehensive report shows that people hospitalized with covid-19 are at significant risk of AKI( Acute Kidney Injury), which can lead to serious illness, dialysis, and even death. This disease is also reversible if the patient takes early guidance and precautions.
