From early on in the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, we’ve known that certain groups of people are at a higher risk for developing or experiencing a severe case of COVID-19. These groups broadly included older adults (aged 65 and up), people with existing lung diseases, and people with compromised immune systems. 

Global health experts and organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have continued to provide updates as they discover more about SARS-CoV-2 virus—the virus that causes COVID-19)—including which populations are most at risk.

In a website update on June 25, 2020, the CDC included people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the list of those who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to specific underlying medical conditions.*

Why were people with CKD added to this list?

The addition of people living with CKD was based on six studies concerning:

• hospitalization rates and characteristics of patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19;
• related medical conditions and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19;
• COVID-19 and its impact on patients with kidney transplants; and
• COVID-19 and patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

If you have kidney disease, you are at higher risk, regardless of what stage of the disease you are in.

What is the purpose of the CDC’s list?

The list of populations at different levels of risk for severe illness is intended for both individuals living with a chronic disease and for healthcare providers. The goal is to improve and increase people’s knowledge, quality of care, and prevention.

Do I need to take any new actions now that I’m on the list?

If you’ve been careful about and conscientious of your movements and habits, you might not need to make any changes.

To be safe, the CDC provides the following guidelines for CKD patients:

• Continue following the treatment regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Remain in regular contact with the members of your healthcare team. Let them know if you experience new COVID-19 symptoms or need medication or supplies.
• If you’re on dialysis and feel sick, contact your dialysis center.
• If you experience symptoms and don’t have a primary care physician, contact the nearest health clinic or your local health department.

• Keep your kitchen stocked with kidney-healthy food items and maintain your diet. 
• Do not miss your dialysis treatments.

You can watch the CNBC footage of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on COVID-19 online. For more information and updates, please visit the CDC’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) page. 

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, June 25). People of Any Age with Underlying Medical Conditions.