For many people with chronic kidney disease, managing the condition can be challenging. Amid a global pandemic, such as the current novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, it’s even more important for you to stay on top of your health. Learn more about how COVID-19 can affect the kidneys and how to stay safe while managing your CKD.*

Does COVID-19 affect the kidneys?

While COVID-19 is considered a respiratory illness, it can affect many other parts of the body, including the kidneys. For people with CKD, COVID-19 can quickly overwhelm your kidneys. 

Since COVID-19 is a relatively new disease, research is still being needed to fully understand its relation to the kidneys; however, experts suggest the following could be contributing factors:

• Acute tubular necrosis with septic shock
• Micro-inflammation
• Increased blood clotting that “clogs” the kidneys
• Low oxygen levels
• COVID-19 directly affecting the kidneys

Do people with CKD have a greater chance of getting COVID-19?

As a CKD patient, you do not necessarily have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, but you may be at greater risk if your immune system is weakened due to:

• Antirejection medicines following a kidney transplant
• Need for dialysis
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

If you have CKD and/or other chronic illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, you may be at a greater risk for a further decline in kidney function. 

How can CKD patients limit their chances of developing COVID-19?

Just like with the general population, you can limit your exposure to COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and disinfecting items touched often. Moreover, it’s important to keep up with your CKD treatment plan. 

Here are some tips on how to continue treatment and prevent infection:

• • Stock up on groceries and medications to limit how often you will need to go out. Many grocery stores can arrange for scheduled deliveries and pick-ups. Depending on your insurance company, you may qualify to have certain medications delivered to you.
  • If you are on dialysis, continue your dialysis treatments. Having your blood cleaned by a dialysis machine helps keep you healthy and your immune system strong. 
  • Talk to your doctor about the benefits and potential risks of taking antirejection medications. Antirejection medicines are necessary to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. While they do suppress your immune system and make it harder to fight an infection, they are life-saving medications. 
  • Stay focused on your health and well-being. This includes listening to your doctor’s recommendations, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and scheduling virtual or telehealth appointments when available. 

How is COVID-19 treated in individuals with CKD?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, other existing conditions, and what organs are being affected. If your symptoms are serious enough to cause hospitalization, treatments could include:

• Supplemental oxygen or mechanical respiratory support
• Infection control
• Corticosteroids
• Blood thinners
• Antiviral drug (remdesivir)
• Convalescent plasma
• Dialysis

Should people with CKD get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists CKD as an underlying medical condition that can increase the risk of serious complications from COVID-19. The CDC does recommend that people with CKD get the vaccine. Make sure you speak to your doctor before getting the vaccine to ensure safety and understanding of the risks and benefits unique to your case.

Are outlooks worse for CKD patients who develop COVID-19?

While research is still being conducted, current findings show that CKD is a key risk factor in COVID-19 mortality—nearly double that of individuals without kidney impairment. Severe stages of CKD also carry an even higher risk. Your doctor can give you an idea of your overall outlook based on your kidneys’ current levels of function and any other chronic or related medical conditions you may have. 

*Pietrangelo, A. (2021, Feb. 23). How does COVID-19 Affect People with Chronic Kidney Disease in the Time of COVID-19. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-and-covid