The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that certain individuals are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot. Did you get a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot at least 6 months ago? Or, did you get a Johnson & Johnson shot at least 2 months ago? If so, as a chronic kidney disease patient of any age, you qualify for a booster shot.
Vaccination is critical for our kidney disease and renal failure patients, who are among the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19. Here are a few things you should know about the vaccines that are currently available.
In a year full of exceptional challengers, chronic kidney disease patients have needed to take vigilant care to protect themselves from COVID-19 while maintaining their dialysis treatment schedules. Our care team at the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati have seen our patients overcome tremendous obstacles to preserve their health. If you’re wondering what to give the dialysis patient in your life this holiday season, look no further. Here are a few thoughtful gift ideas to make their day.
This has been a difficult year in so many ways, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it steal our holiday spirit. Fall and winter festivities are going to look a bit different, especially for chronic kidney disease patients. Instances of COVID-19 are rising rapidly in the Greater Cincinnati area, making it all the more important for high-risk individuals to play it safe.
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to safely celebrate the upcoming holidays. We know it’s not the same as your usual traditions, but from all of us at Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we hope you try some of these ideas to find a little joy this season.
Getting a flu shot is important every fall, but even more so this year with COVID-19. Coronavirus and the flu are caused by different viruses, making it possible to contract both at the same time. By getting your flu shot this year, you can reduce your chances of flu complications and potentially conserve healthcare resources for COVID-19 patients.
For many chronic kidney disease patients, non-emergency telehealth visits are a new tool to supplement in-office appointments. Telehealth is a great way to connect with your doctor from home and avoid COVID-19 exposure. Whether you’re scheduled for a virtual visit with your Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati care team or another physician, here are a few tech tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.
You’re likely aware that COVID-19 can cause significant respiratory issues in infected individuals. But did you know that the coronavirus can also attack a person’s kidneys? A National Kidney Foundation – Harris Poll Survey revealed that just under 1 in 5 Americans are aware of the potential for acute kidney injury (AKI) as the result of this virus. The presence of AKI in COVID-19 cases has important implications for the long term health of survivors and our health care system.
As a chronic kidney disease patient, routine trips for blood and urine tests are part of your life. With recent spikes in COVID-19 cases around the tri-state, it’s natural to feel uneasy about the safety of getting these labs done in-person. Being aware of the risks and benefits can help you feel more at ease and start a conversation with your care team about how to manage your CKD during the pandemic.
Your Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati care team believes in the importance of detecting and treating chronic kidney disease early. Routine blood and urine tests allow your nephrologist to keep a close eye on the progression of the disease and effectiveness of the treatment plan.
The CDC determined that CKD patients are among high-risk groups for contracting COVID-19. Any activities with the potential for human contact, like coming in for routine lab tests, have some degree of risk. Talk to your nephrologist about the risks versus the benefits of in-person lab testing. In some cases, your risk of complications from CKD is greater than the risk of potential coronavirus exposure. This will ultimately be a decision you make with your doctor based on your overall health and comfort level.
Some labs, like urine tests, could be done in-home. If your insurance company and lab center approve it, they will send you a test kit to complete and send back. But if you do need to have your labs done in-person, know that these facilities are among the most thoroughly sanitized places you can go. Healthcare providers are vigilant about providing clean environments so patients can continue receiving routine care. Before you come in, your lab center will likely call you for a COVID-19 phone screen. Let them know you are a high-risk patient, and they can arrange for you to come in during high-risk-patients-only hours and put additional precautions in place to protect you.
And of course, when you go in for your labs, always wear your mask and gloves, keep your distance from others, and wash your hands frequently.
Transplant patients have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the immunosuppressive medication required to keep your body from rejecting the transplanted kidney. This medication is critical for the success of your transplant, so do NOT stop taking it. Instead, take steps to limit any potential exposure to the virus. As Ohio begins to reopen, it is critical to continue staying home as much as possible. Take advantage of grocery delivery and pick-up options, or have a friend or relative shop for you and leave the bags at your door. If you are not able to work remotely, your doctor may be able to write a letter to your employer for a leave of absence.
In the face of this public health crisis, Cincinnati area hospital workers risk their lives every day to care for our communities’ most vulnerable individuals. Many work incredibly long hours and lack the personal protective equipment to keep themselves safe from COVID-19 – and are still smiling through it all. 
That’s why the Nephrology Associates of Cincinnati are spearheading an effort to give back to local healthcare workers. Communities Supporting Frontline Healthcare Workers of Cincinnati is an initiative to raise funds and awareness for these heroes. All donations will go toward the purchase of food and gift cards from local vendors and will be distributed to frontline healthcare workers at area hospitals. Those who are unable to give a monetary donation can still provide encouragement and appreciation to healthcare workers within the Facebook group.
