How does the logistics of my therapy change if I am positive for COVID-19?

We tell you how the units have been arranged to care for you even if you have coronavirus

The coronavirus took us by surprise since the end of 2019. Since then, doctors and scientists around the world are fighting against time to discover the vaccine that will allow us to resume our normal rhythm of life. <br> In the meantime, it is important that we take maximum care of our health and that of the people around us. Thus, in the particular case of people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), they require certain special care.

What should I know about coronavirus if I am a CKD patient?

For people with this disease, the existence of this virus is an invitation to take extra care at home and outside. Since CKD is considered a comorbidity, that is, a condition that could hinder improvement and prognosis in the face of a coronavirus infection, it is key to understand the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and to begin immediate action.

“The primary recommendation is that for any symptoms related to COVID-19, such as cough, runny nose, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain, always advise the patient when triage is done by telephone. what's when the clinic calls you to find out how you're doing and find out if you have these symptoms, if this is not the case and the symptoms appear after the telephone triage, when arriving at the unit a triage is done in person, there the patient must be sure to say everything he feels to reduce any risk”, explains our doctor Alfonso Bunch, Nephrologist Internologist and Medical Director at Baxter Renal Care Services.

How will my therapy be like if I have coronavirus?

For patients who are already confirmed for COVID-19 and require haemodialysis, the renal units have made several changes to prevent the spread of the virus without missing any routine care from their treatments.

• To begin with, in the units some hours of attention in therapy changed. In this way, the volume of patients entering and leaving the unit is reduced. It is recommended that each patient consult with their care center in case they have not been notified of any change in schedule.

• Haemodialysis patients who have coronavirus will receive their therapy in rooms separated from other patients, depending on the characteristics of the clinic. Likewise, staff are careful not to use the same biosecurity implements between COVID-19 patients and patients who do not have the virus to prevent the spread.

• For patients who already have coronavirus, there is a daily telephone monitoring to supervise their health and to identify timely cases that may require hospitalization.

• It is vitally important that each patient be very attentive to their symptoms, with or without coronavirus, to inform their doctors of any new developments. The faster each case is dealt with, the better the chances of avoiding serious health complications.