Kidney Dialysis and COVID-19

Last updated: March 15, 2022

If you live with kidney disease, you have a higher risk of developing more serious illness from COVID-19.

Your physician can review your medical record to help you understand your personal risk. More information about kidney dialysis and COVID-19 is available from the National Kidney Foundation.

Here are answers to some common questions you may have. This information might change as we learn more about COVID-19. If you have other questions, talk to your physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I more likely to get COVID-19 because I have kidney disease?
  • Should I still go for my hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What can I do to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
  • If I have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 but I do not have symptoms, what should I do about going to dialysis?

If you live with kidney disease, you are not more likely to get COVID-19. However, you are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19.

The virus causes intense infection and inflammation in the body, which can place more stress on the body for people who live with kidney disease and can weaken their ability to fight an infection like COVID-19.

Yes, you should continue to receive your dialysis treatments to maintain your kidney health. If you have a question about your medications, please call your physician or send your care team a question through the MyNM patient portal. You can access MyNM at mynm.nm.org or through the MyNM® app on a mobile device.

Do not make changes to your medication without talking to your care team first.

Every dialysis center has its own regulations to protect patients from exposure to COVID-19. Please contact your center if you have questions about its practice while you are on hemodialysis.

Everyone should follow CDC guidelines to help prevent COVID-19 exposure and infection. We urge you to:

  • Get vaccinated.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Physically distance.
  • Exercise.
  • Eat well.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Get plenty of sleep.

Keep at least a 2-week supply of your medications. If you need a refill, call your physician or send a request through MyNM. While refilling your prescription, you can limit exposure to COVID-19 by using a mail-order service or drive-thru pharmacy. Or, have a caregiver pick up your medication.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, you should be tested for COVID-19. Learn about your testing options in the COVID-19 Resource Center at nm.org/covid19.

Patients on dialysis may have different core body temperatures than the general population. You should know your normal baseline body temperature so you can determine if you have a fever.

If you have been exposed to someone who received a COVID-19 diagnosis, please call your primary care physician or advanced practice provider, and your clinician at the dialysis clinic for guidance. If you normally receive dialysis at home, contact your physician to ask about special precautions that may apply to you.