If you have kidney disease, you are at a higher risk of getting an infection. Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure can lead to a weaker immune system. The information in this hand out can help you manage the risk of COVID-19.

Mild Symptoms

Severe Symptoms

I don’t have any flu-like symptoms. Can I still come to appointments at my renal/dialysis unit?

All renal/dialysis patients without symptoms should come to appointments unless your unit contacts you to make a change. If you travelled in the last 14 days or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, call ahead to let your unit know.

NO VISITORS IN UNITS/WAITING ROOMS: Given the evolving COVID-19 situation, public health officials have recommended the immediate suspension of visitors at health-care facilities across Manitoba including dialysis units. Thank you for your understanding as we take every measure to protect you, your loved ones and our staff. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. https://sharedhealthmb.ca/files/visitor-restrictions.pdf

In-centre hemodialysis patients:

All hemodialysis patients need to continue to come for their life-sustaining  dialysis treatment. The hospitals and units are implementing many measures to ensure all hemodialysis patients are provided the safest care. Dialysis treatments are life-sustaining and coming to the hospital for regularly scheduled dialysis treatments in a carefully managed environment is the SAFEST option for hemodialysis patients. Patients who skip or miss dialysis treatments may experience adverse health outcomes and require emergency medical services such as urgent care or emergency room care. If you have symptoms – see the info below.

If I have flu-like symptoms – what should I do?

If you have symptoms and travelled in the last 14 days OR had contact with someone who had/has COVID-19 OR are a health-care worker OR live/work in a communal setting (correctional facility, care home, work camp) then:

How can I lower my risk of getting an infection?

We want to keep you and your family safe. We also need to ensure that you have access to a safe place for your renal/dialysis care. No visitors are allowed in the unit and you may be asked questions, and asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer, when you come for your appointment.

Call 1-888-315-9257 OR your renal/dialysis unit if you are unwell so that we can keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. Here are steps that you and your family can do to help lower the risk of infection:

How do I protect myself and my family from COVID-19 and other flu-like illness?

Webinar: Dialysis & COVID-19 presented by The Kidney Foundation of Canada and The Canadian Society of Nephrologists

For more information on COVID-19 visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus.