COVID-19 and Kidney Health | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

There’s been a lot of talk about COVID-19’s connection to the urologic system, in particular the kidneys. While research is ongoing and it’s still early in this pandemic, there’s plenty of evidence of the connection both before and after someone deals with the illness.

Here’s what the experts say about the link between kidney health and COVID-19:

COVID-19 Impacts for Those With Kidney Conditions

From nearly the earliest days of the outbreak of COVID-19, medical experts warned that those with chronic kidney disease, those with kidneys weakened or damaged by any other condition, and kidney transplant recipients are at greater risk for serious complications from COVID-19. The CDC warns, “Having chronic kidney disease of any stage increases your risk for severe illness from COVID-19.”

Additionally, the National Kidney Foundation indicates those with kidney disease and particularly those on dialysis “appear to be at increased risk of severe infection and mortality from COVID-19.” Research indicates the weakened immune systems of patients with kidney failure make them more likely to catch the virus and 2.5 times more likely to die from it.

Kidney Issues Caused by COVID-19

Among all hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 15% are developing acute kidney injury in the course of the disease, and many of them will need long-term dialysis to deal with it.

Doctors and researchers aren’t yet certain why what was believed to be a respiratory illness is causing these issues, with theories including a decrease in oxygen available to the kidneys, cytokine storm immune responses that damage the kidneys and that the virus itself targets the cells of the kidney.

What You Should Do

Regardless of whether you’re living with kidney failure or another renal issue or you aren’t, medical experts point to three crucial things you can do to protect yourself from the virus:

  1. Wear a mask or face covering when you’re around anyone who doesn’t live in your home.
  2. Keep at least six feet of distance from those you don’t live with.
  3. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

Specifically for kidney patients, the CDC provides recommendations for them to protect themselves and be prepared:

  • Continue medications and diet practices recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Keep at least a 30-day supply of those medications.
  • Stay in contact with your healthcare team and alert your doctor if you notice new signs or symptoms of illness.
  • Contact the local health department or community health center for assistance if you don’t have a primary care provider.
  • Have plenty of shelf-stable, healthy foods on hand.
  • Those on dialysis should contact their providers if they feel sick, continue with treatments and have enough food on hand to follow the KCER 3-Day Emergency Diet Plan.

For those in emergency need, the American Kidney Fund is offering grants of $250 per patient to assist with critical needs.

We’re available to support kidney patients as we all navigate this uncertain time. If you need to talk to a medical provider about your situation, give us a call.