Kidney disease & COVID-19

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.

Research is ongoing

COVID-19 is a new virus, and therefore research on it has only just begun. Some hypotheses — ideas based on very little evidence — have been made about the effects of certain drugs on COVID-19, but nothing has been proven. In fact, leading health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not recommended that patients stop any particular drug in order to decrease the chance of getting COVID-19 or to make it less severe. Some common drugs that have been highlighted in the news are discussed below.

Take precautions

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.

Wear your face mask

  • Wear a mask indoors and outdoors
  • Wear a mask with 2 or more layers to help stop the spread of COVID-19
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face
  • In cold weather, wear your mask under your scarf, ski mask, or balaclava
  • Keep a spare mask handy in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.