Special update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for kidney disease patients March 10, 2020 by Lauren Eva NephCure is closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as it continues to develop worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern over the global outbreak of the coronavirus, and on January 30th, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar II declared it a Public Health Emergency in the United States. According to the most recent information from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of people who are exposed to the coronavirus will experience mild symptoms, and the likelihood for most people to develop serious illness after exposure is thought to be low. However, older individuals (approximately age 65 and older) and individuals of all ages with underlying health conditions (like kidney disease) or compromised immune systems seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. If you are taking medications like prednisone (steroids), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), cyclosporine (Neoral), mycophenolate (MMF, Cellcept, Myfortic), prograf (Tacrolimus), rituxan (Rituximab), or any other immunosuppressant drug, your immune system is likely compromised. Prevention is key. We urge you and your immediate family members to take the following precautions now to prevent or delay the spread of the coronavirus and limit your personal risk of exposure to it. Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Why? The virus can be transferred in bodily fluids, including saliva and stool. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills viruses that may be on your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Keep space between yourself and others. Maintain at least 3 feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Practice respiratory hygiene. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. Clean and disinfect your home. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Why? Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning and disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings. Avoid crowds as much as possible, cruise travel, and any non-essential air travel. Why? Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. This information has been collected from the CDC and the WHO and has been reviewed by NephCure’s Board Medical Directors. In addition, you may want to contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary prescription or over-the-counter medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. If you have additional questions related to you or your loved one’s health, please contact your primary healthcare provider or nephrologist and follow their guidance. If you would like to be connected to a NephCure Specialist in your kidney disease, please refer to our list of experts here. If there are no specialists in your area, many of these doctors will provide a health consultation via phone. NephCure will continue to monitor world and US-based health guidance, and if new information becomes available that pertains to our rare and chronic kidney disease community, we will provide an updated statement. Additional information can be found directly from the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
Beth says March 11, 2020 at 1:02 am What is the recommendation for patients who have not yet had treatment and are potentially immuno-compromised because proteins are being spilled in the urine?
Rob Kapteyn says March 13, 2020 at 7:01 pm A lot of kidney patients take ACE inhibitors to control BP and save kidneys. ACE inhibitors seem to be a major risk factor. A large percentage of fatalities are people being treated with ACE inhibitors: [ACE inhibitors as a potential risk factor for fatal Covid-19](https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m810/rr-2) [medicine-millions-increase-coronavirus](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11168074/medicine-millions-increase-coronavirus/) ARB inhibitors work just as well, and might even prevent the infection: [Use of angiotensin receptor blockers such as Telmisartan, Losartsan in nCoV Wuhan Corona Virus infections – Novel mode of treatment](https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m406/rr-2) You might want to talk to your doctor and switch to Losartan. I already use Losartsan to control Alport kidney. The explanation is that the virus actually uses these receptors to infect cells: [covid-19+uses+Angiotensin+2+receptor](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=covid-19+uses+Angiotensin+2+receptor)
Ann says March 14, 2020 at 1:01 pm I recently had a malignant kidney removed – no further treatment needed, however, I have reduced kidney function of the other kidney. Should i be more concerned or take more precautions or medication. Currently not on any kidney meds or dialysis
Sheila heslop says March 16, 2020 at 11:25 am My husband has nephrotic syndrome is he at high risk of coronavirus.
Katharine says March 16, 2020 at 2:55 pm I am a paediatric nurse on Prednisolone and Tacrolimus following a kidney transplant. Should I be avoiding work? No guidance at work having spoken with manager.
Keith Murphy says March 16, 2020 at 4:44 pm Dose Tacrolimus and mycophenolate give any protection in developing Cytokine storm from covid 19 ?
Janet Cloud says March 17, 2020 at 1:54 am I am in stage 4 renal failure but stable for more than a year. What are my chances of contracting coronavirus? I have self quarantined myself and unless absolute necessary stay home.
Alana says March 17, 2020 at 10:47 am What about a toddler with hydronephrosis? Is that considered high risk?
Caroline Hommel says March 18, 2020 at 6:02 pm My son had a transplant 12 years ago and is doing great. He is on immunosuppressants and is very healthy. Rarely gets a cold or sick. He is working at an office where many have been sent home to work but his job requires he be there. Without a lot of people in close proximity and with good hygiene, is it ok for him to continue working?
Michele says March 19, 2020 at 9:07 pm The school district I work for wants me to watch first responders children and my son has all the above listed on here. They told me that if I didn’t work I would have to use my sick time. What should I d. Any suggestions would be helpful
Linda says March 30, 2020 at 3:38 pm My husband is at level 4 so not a patient yet. Is he still at higher risk?