Does kidney disease put me at a higher risk?
People with kidney disease and other severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for more severe illness.
People on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. However, it is important to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments and to take necessary precautions as recommended by their healthcare team.
People with a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection medicines (also known as immunosuppressive medicines). These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active, which can make it harder to fight infections. It is important to keep taking these medicines. It is also important to wash hands, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from their healthcare team.
Are there special precautions that someone with kidney disease should take?
Older adults and people with kidney disease or other severe chronic medical conditions seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:
Stock up on supplies
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact
Wash your hands often
Avoid crowds as much as possible
During an outbreak in your area, stay home as much as possible.
Please remember that if you are on dialysis, you should not miss your treatments. Contact your clinic if you feel sick or have any questions or concerns.
If you have a kidney transplant, it is important to remember to keep taking your anti-rejection medicines, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from your healthcare team. Contact your healthcare team with any questions or concerns.
You can learn more about how kidney patients can be prepared for COVID-19 with this NKF resource.
What about people with autoimmune diseases that can harm the kidneys?
With an autoimmune disease, the body’s own immune system attacks the body's own cells, tissues and organs. Many of these diseases, such as IgA and lupus, can also attack and harm the kidney.
People with an autoimmune disease may be prescribed certain immunosuppressive medicines by their healthcare professional (depending on the disease and other factors). These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active, which can make it harder for the body to fight infections.
Recommendations to reduce risk from COVID-19:
keep taking any medicine as prescribed
wash your hands
maintain good hygiene
follow recommendations from your healthcare team
You should contact your healthcare professional for any questions or concerns. You can find information on general COVID-19 prevention at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.