As we all know, the COVID-19 infection, which is a disease caused by the newly detected coronavirus that causes disease in humans, has turned into a pandemic. Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı, who said that kidney involvement was found to be common in this infection, reminded us that acute kidney damage that may develop is an independent determinant of the risk of loss of life. 

Stating that there are not enough studies yet on the general effects of this infection in patients with chronic kidney disease, Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı said, “We must ensure that chronic kidney patients, dialysis patients, kidney transplant patients and patients whose immune system is suppressed due to other different problems are protected without causing concern but by taking all necessary precautions.”

Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı listed the precautions to be taken to protect kidney patients and transplant recipients from infection, who are considered to be in the risky group for COVID-19...

Avoid Touching Face with Hands

Reminding that this infection is transmitted through droplets, Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı said, “In other words, it is transmitted by coughing and sneezing of sick individuals, breathed by other people, or by touching and contacting the mouth, nose, or eye mucosa after touching the surfaces with the viruses spread from these droplets. For this reason, care should be taken not to touch the face and eyes with the hands as much as possible.”

Do Not Enter Crowded Environments and Do Not Contact People Coming from Abroad

Stating that kidney patients should be careful not to use public transport as much as possible during this period, Prof. Dr. Kantarcı said, “If it is necessary to take public vehicles, necessary precautions must be taken. Masks should be used, and hands should be cleaned with hand sanitizer. However, they should not attend crowded meetings and should not enter such environments. These people should not travel abroad and should avoid contact with people who have come from abroad in the last two weeks.”

If There Is Any Sign of Disease, the Relevant Center Should Be Informed in Advance

Stating that patients who have undergone organ transplants or dialysis patients with symptoms such as fever or cough should give information by phone before coming to the relevant centers or dialysis units, Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı said that they should act according to the directions of the units where they are treated and that they should definitely wear masks.

Mask Should Be Used

Emphasizing that in addition to hygiene rules such as washing hands constantly with soap and water, these patients must wear masks when in contact with people, Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı gave the following information: “In Taiwan, where this infection first started and is most commonly observed, the Nephrology Societies recently recommended that patients wear masks in the dialysis unit in their guidelines for dialysis units during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, patients should wear a mask before coming to dialysis. Used masks should always be thrown into the waste bins with a lid. After putting on and taking off the mask, hands should be washed with soap for 30 seconds.”

What Should Be Done to Avoid Viral Epidemics in General?

• Get an influenza vaccine every year if your doctor recommends it,
• Ventilate your home 2 times a day.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 30 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands.
• Stay at least 2 meters away from people with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.
• Take care not to dry your throat during the day and drink warm sugar-free drinks.
• If you have signs of illness (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or body aches) or flu-like symptoms, stay home if possible.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw used tissues and masks into waste bins with a lid.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces (including phones, computers, and tablets) and items you come in contact with.