Skip to main content
  1. Careers
  2. Resource Center
  3. About Us
  4. Contact Us
  5. Español
Thrive On
Fresenius Kidney Care
  • PatientHub
  • Community

Find a Dialysis Center

Find a Dialysis Center

Find a Dialysis Center
Permission to detect location was denied Current location could not be determined
    Try a detailed search

    Need help? Call 1-888-373-1470

    1. About Kidney Disease
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
      3. Kidney Disease Stages
      4. What Is a Nephrologist?
      5. What to Expect with CKD
      6. Kidney Disease Management
      7. Understanding Acute Kidney Injury
      8. How Kidneys Work
      9. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
    2. Treatments
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Dialysis Basics
      3. Benefits of Home Dialysis
      4. Home Peritoneal Dialysis
      5. Home Hemodialysis
      6. Sign up to Talk to a Home Dialysis Expert
      7. In-Center Hemodialysis
      8. Transplant
      9. Insurance & Managing Costs
      10. Choosing Not to Treat
    3. Life On Dialysis
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Your Emotional Health While on Dialysis
      3. Staying Engaged
      4. Staying Healthy
      5. Dialysis Travel Services and Information
      6. Tips for Loved Ones
      7. PatientHub
    4. Recipes & Nutrition
      1. OVERVIEW
      2. Recipes
      3. Managing Your Diet
      4. Fluid Management on Dialysis
      5. Dialysis Diet Planning
      6. Cookbooks
    5. Thrive Central
      1. CKD
      2. Dialysis
      3. Diet & Nutrition
      4. Stories
      5. Wellness
      6. See All
    COMMUNITY
    PATIENTHUB
    HOME
    1. I Have Kidney Disease
    2. I’m Preparing For Dialysis
    3. I’m on Dialysis
    1. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
    2. Resource Center
    3. Recipes
    4. Request Patient Travel Services Information
    5. Sign Up for Our Newsletter

    Find a Dialysis Center

    Find a Dialysis Center

    Find a Dialysis Center
    Permission to detect location was denied Current location could not be determined
      Try a detailed search

      Need help? Call 1-888-373-1470

      1. About Us
      2. Contact Us
      3. FAQ
      4. Glossary
      5. Media
      6. Careers
      7. Español

      Need help? Call
      1-888-373-1470

      • facebook
      • twitter
      • youtube
      1. About Kidney Disease
        1. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
          1. Symptoms
          2. Risk Factors
          3. Causes
          4. Diagnosis and Testing
          5. GFR Calculator
        2. Kidney Disease Stages
          1. Stage 1
          2. Stage 2
          3. Stage 3
          4. Stage 4
          5. Stage 5
        3. What Is a Nephrologist?
        4. What to Expect with CKD
        5. Kidney Disease Management
          1. Kidney Diet Basics
          2. CKD Medications
          3. Your Kidney Care Team
          4. Diabetes
          5. High Blood Pressure
        6. Understanding Acute Kidney Injury
          1. Acute Kidney Injury Treatment and Recovery
        7. How Kidneys Work
        8. Take a FREE CLASS on Kidney Disease
      2. Treatments
        1. Dialysis Basics
          1. How Does a Hemodialysis Machine Work
          2. Starting Dialysis
          3. Types of Dialysis Access
          4. Your Care Plan
          5. Dialysis Medications
          6. Monitoring Your Lab Results
        2. Benefits of Home Dialysis
        3. Home Peritoneal Dialysis
          1. What to Expect
          2. Getting Prepared
          3. PD Access
          4. PD Training
          5. PD Monitoring
          6. Your Care Team
        4. Home Hemodialysis
          1. What to Expect
          2. Getting Prepared
          3. HD Training
          4. HD Monitoring
          5. Your Care Team
        5. Sign up to Talk to a Home Dialysis Expert
        6. In-Center Hemodialysis
          1. In-Center Treatment Options
          2. What to Expect
          3. Types of Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
          4. Your Care Team
          5. How to Choose a Center
        7. Transplant
          1. Finding a Kidney Donor
          2. Considering Kidney Donation
        8. Insurance & Managing Costs
          1. Understanding Medicare Coverage
          2. Understanding Medicare Advantage
          3. Understanding Employer Plans
        9. Choosing Not to Treat
      3. Life On Dialysis
        1. Your Emotional Health While on Dialysis
          1. Managing Your Emotions
          2. Talking About Dialysis
          3. Intimacy
          4. Body Image and Dialysis
          5. Building Your Dialysis Support Network
        2. Staying Engaged
          1. Tips for Working While on Dialysis
          2. In-Center Activities
          3. Hobbies
        3. Staying Healthy
          1. Managing Your Time on Dialysis
          2. Dialysis & Exercise
          3. Weight Management
          4. Avoiding Infection
          5. Managing Multiple Conditions
          6. Fighting the Flu
        4. Dialysis Travel Services and Information
        5. Tips for Loved Ones
          1. In-Center Hemodialysis
          2. At-Home Hemodialysis
          3. At-Home Peritoneal Dialysis
        6. PatientHub
      4. Recipes & Nutrition
        1. Recipes
        2. Managing Your Diet
          1. Eating Well on a CKD Diet
          2. Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet
          3. Salt and Kidney Disease
          4. Potassium and Kidney Disease
          5. Phosphorus and Kidney Disease
          6. Talking With Your Dietitian
        3. Fluid Management on Dialysis
        4. Dialysis Diet Planning
          1. Kidney-Friendly Shopping
          2. Eating Out
          3. Holiday Diet Tips
          4. A Chef’s Advice | Chef Aaron McCargo on Kidney Friendly Meals
        5. Cookbooks
      5. Thrive Central
        1. CKD
        2. Dialysis
        3. Diet & Nutrition
        4. Stories
        5. Wellness
        6. See All
      1. Home
      2. Thrive Central
      3. CKD
      4. What People With Kidney Disease Need to Know About COVID-19
      Share:

      What People With Kidney Disease Need to Know About COVID-19

      hub_CovidHome_main_image

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a global impact on people living with underlying medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). At Fresenius Kidney Care, we’re committed to providing you with the information and care you need to ensure your health and wellbeing.

      Kidney disease and COVID-19 risk factors

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people over the age of 65 and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. This includes people living with kidney disease and on dialysis, as well as people living with health conditions that may contribute to CKD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. 

      The best way to lower your risk of COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to the disease. In addition to following the CDC’s recommended guidelines for social distancing and good hygiene, you can help protect your health and help avoid complications of chronic kidney disease by managing your health conditions exactly as directed by your doctor. Take steps to be your healthiest, such as:

      • Completing all of your dialysis sessions
      • Taking all of your medications as prescribed
      • Following a kidney-friendly diet
      • Controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes
      • Maintaining a healthy weight
      • Getting enough sleep
      • Managing stress

      If you have any questions about your health and COVID-19, or concerns about getting your dialysis treatments, contact your care team. We’re here to support you at every step.


      COVID-19 and complications of chronic kidney disease

      kidneys-icon

      COVID-19 is still a new disease, and there is limited information about how it impacts your health in different ways. The direct impact of COVID-19 on kidney disease has not been reported or proven, though there are certain risk factors for people on dialysis. According to limited research, people living with CKD may experience the following complications:

      • Risk for acute kidney injury (AKI)
        Some people who contract COVID-19 show signs of AKI, which could be a result of waste build-up and kidney injury caused by the virus. While the exact method of kidney involvement in COVID-19 is not clear, those on dialysis may be at higher risk for AKI.
      • Infection related to dialysis treatment
        It’s important to continue your dialysis treatments as scheduled, even though it may require you to leave the house. To limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19 while going to the center, Fresenius Kidney Care has implemented extra safety precautions during in-center treatments or care team appointments to ensure your health and wellbeing. Talk to your care team about how to protect yourself during home dialysis as well.

      Severe warning signs of COVID-19

      Since people living with kidney disease or other underlying medical conditions may be more prone to serious illness from COVID-19, it’s important to keep an eye out for any of the following severe signs:

      • Trouble breathing 
      • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
      • New confusion or inability to arouse
      • Bluish lips or face

      Contact your doctor or care team immediately if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any of these symptoms.


      Guidelines for lowering COVID-19 risk in people with kidney disease

      clipboard-icon

      The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to limit your contact with others, practice good hygiene, and follow your doctor’s instructions and CDC guidelines. To lower your chances of contracting the virus, take the following preventative steps:

      • Stay home as much as possible.
      • If you must go out for dialysis treatments or care team appointments, practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people.
      • Stay up to date on your annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 40–60 seconds.
      • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
      • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and handrails.

      Steps to help you feel prepared and feel your best

      • Stock up on enough medication, kidney-friendly food, and supplies to last 2–4 weeks.
      • Get enough sleep.
      • Avoid stressful situations and communicate with your social worker if you are feeling overwhelmed.
      • Stay connected to your care team and loved ones.

      Use telehealth to help you stay healthy

      computer-icon
      Your health and wellness are our top priority, and your care team is here to support you at every step. To ensure you continue to receive the best possible care, we are now offering virtual visits over the phone or computer through our telehealth program. These visits are meant to connect you with your care team from the comfort and safety of your home, while still receiving the same high-quality experience as an in-person visit.

      Talking to your care team about CKD and COVID-19

      message-icon

      Your care team will also be able to help answer any questions about COVID-19 and kidney disease, such as:

      • Am I at high risk for contracting COVID-19?
      • How does COVID-19 impact my kidney health?
      • How can I protect myself from contracting the virus?
      • How can I prevent spreading COVID-19 to my family?
      • What kind of supplies should I have in my house?
      • What should I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
      • What are my treatment options?

      If you or someone in your home are feeling sick or show any symptoms of the COVID-19—such as shortness of breath or a fever at or above 100.0° F—contact your care team immediately. They can give you instructions for getting the care you need.
      Looking out for your health is our top priority. As we learn more about COVID-19 and how to navigate in the healthcare space, make sure you are listening to your body and staying in communication with your care team about any questions or concerns you have about your treatment plan.

      Suggested topics


      hub_CovidHome_main_image

      Home Dialysis and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Staying Safe

      Keeping you healthy and safe is our top priority. As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, we are working to protect you...
      Read More
      Important information on coronavirus and your health.

      In-Center Dialysis and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Protecting Your Health

      Your health is our top priority. As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, we are taking additional steps in our dialysis centers to...

      Read More
      comunitylaunch_mainicon

      Welcome to the Kidney Care Community

      The Kidney Care Community is an online forum where you can share experiences, ask questions, and find support from others going through…
      Read More
      Back to Top
      1. About Us
      2. Español
      1. FAQ
      2. Resource Center
      3. Contact Us
      4. Glossary
      5. Media
      6. Careers
      1. Website Privacy Policy
      2. Terms of Use
      3. Site Map
      4. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
      5. FreseniusKidneyCare.com Web Accessibility Statement
      6. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data
      7. Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information
      • facebook
      • youtube
      • twitter
      • pinterest
      © 2016-2023 Fresenius Medical Care. All Rights Reserved.