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Important Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Health

Important Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Health

The health and safety of our patients, colleagues and partners is our main priority. Fresenius Kidney Care is dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality care and support in every circumstance. The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has been changing quickly, and we will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are critical for controlling the pandemic. Making an informed choice about vaccination against the coronavirus is one of the most important decisions you will make. Before receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, you should meet and discuss with your doctor about your suitability to receive a vaccine and any questions you may have.

Are you a Fresenius Kidney Care patient?

Speak to your Care Team about the vaccination program in your local area.

Vaccination FAQs

What is a vaccine?
What is a COVID-19 vaccine?
Why is it important to get vaccinated?
Can COVID-19 vaccines give you COVID-19?
The COVID-19 vaccine was developed so quickly, is it safe?
Is the COVID-19 vaccine more dangerous than the virus itself?
Are there any side effects after vaccination?
Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause an allergic reaction?
After COVID-19 vaccination, do I need still to practice prevention?
Do I still need to be vaccinated if I already had COVID-19?
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Practice prevention

It is important that you continue to practice preventive measures to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus and lowering the chances of getting sick with COVID-19. The interventions shown below will continue to be important to control the pandemic, even after vaccination campaigns have started.

Wearing Masks

Social Distancing

Avoiding Group Gatherings

Frequent Hand Washing

Cleaning Surfaces

Wash your hands often
Use soap and water and wash for 40-60 seconds. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol for 20-30 seconds.

Stay home as much as possible

The best way to stay safe if to avoid being around people who are sick with COVID-19 or carriers of the COVID-19 virus, but not showing any symptoms. If you must go out for dialysis or medical appointments, always follow local guidelines for social distancing and stay at least 2 arms' length away from other people.

Be on the lookout for symptoms and complications of COVID-19
 
People with COVID-19 can show a wide range of mild to severe symptoms, which typically appear between 2 – 14 days after exposure. Mild symptoms include:
 
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever (body temperature at or above 38.0C)
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
 
If you experience any combination of these symptoms or feel unwell, contact your doctor or care team for further instructions and to get the assistance you need. If you are at high risk for COVID-19 or related complications, be aware of more serious warning signs as well:
 
  • Trouble breathing
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or difficulty to gain energy after sleep

What to do about dialysis treatment if you get sick

Your health is our top priority. As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, we are taking additional steps in our dialysis centers to protect you and your care team.
It is very important that you continue to get dialysis treatment. Skipping dialysis treatments can cause a dangerous buildup of toxins, waste, and excess fluid in your body. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you or your care partner should notify your care team immediately for instructions on continuing care.
If you have any symptoms of being sick, notify your care team immediately, before your appointment. Your care team will give you exact instructions on next steps and how to continue treatment.

What to do about dialysis treatment if you get sick
How to manage anxiety in uncertain times

How to manage anxiety in uncertain times

The situation around COVID-19 is changing very often. If you’re feeling anxious, worried, depressed, or low energy, you are not alone. For many people, schedules have been disrupted, routines are changing, and talk about coronavirus is everywhere. To help manage anxiety, stress, and coping, consider these suggestions:

  • Keep your routine as much as possible – this includes keeping up with your dialysis treatment schedules and care team appointments. Getting enough dialysis and staying for your full treatment time is very important to your health.

  • Limit your COVID-19 news time – surrounded by newspapers, news on TV, internet feeds, and social media, it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the news on coronavirus. Staying informed is good, though a constant stream of stressful news can impact your emotional health. Choose when you’re going to look at news, pick reliable sources, and put a limit on your viewing time.

  • Recognize what anxiety or depression look like for you - everyone copes with stress differently. Learn to recognize how your emotions affect you – constant worry, headache, nausea, tiredness – and find ways to relieve your stress.

  • Find ways to care for your wellbeing – it’s important to take care of yourself while dealing with feelings of depression or anxiety and figuring out what helps you cope. That may mean talking things out with a loved one, taking a walk, or focusing only on the present.
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