Impact of Coronavirus on Kidney Patients

The global pandemic of coronavirus and its severe health-related effects need no introduction today. As of 7th February 2022, the COVID-19 virus has infected more than 396 million people globally, resulting in over 5.7 million deaths.

Besides causing acute lung damage, the COVID virus has also been found to affect other body organs. Mucormycosis or black fungus was one such complication that many COVID patients suffered from. The virus can also affect the brain, liver, heart, and kidneys.

 

Do you know how?

 

Impact of COVID-19 on Kidneys

 

Doctors have noticed signs of kidney-related problems in people infected with the virus. As per reports from China and New York, 30% of COVID-19 patients suffered mild or severe kidney injuries. 

 

 

According to doctors, some of the probable causes of COVID-19 related kidney problems are as follows -

 

1. Damage to Kidney Cells

 

 COVID-19 virus has been observed to attack the cells of the kidneys. The receptors in the kidney cells allow the COVID-19 virus to attach, replicate, and invade, causing damage to the kidney as well as to surrounding tissues.

 

2. Damage Due to Lack of Oxygen 

 

The COVID infection reduces blood oxygen levels, that may lead to pneumonia, which in turn affects the kidney

 

3. Cytokine Storms

 

Cytokines are proteins, which help the immune system communicate with the different cells when fighting an infection. If contracted with COVID virus, a cytokine storm will be sent by your body's immune system in response to infection. When cytokinesis is released in large quantities, it causes inflammation, which in turn damages kidney tissues and can cause complications. 

 

4. Blood Clots

 

A COVID-19 virus infection often results in blood clots. These blood clots travel through your bloodstream and can clog the small blood vessels in your kidney. This can affect the function of the kidneys and result in injuries and impairments. 

Kidney patients, thus, are exposed to these possible complications that might aggravate their existing illness and even lead to kidney failure. If you or a member of your family suffers from kidney-related illnesses, you need to be extra cautious.

 

 

How to Protect Yourself Against the Pandemic?

 

To avoid these potential kidney-related complications, you must take all necessary precautions. Wear a mask when going outdoors, restrict gatherings, and follow other safety norms to keep the virus at bay.

 

 

However, if the infection does strike, you need to be prepared. Here's how -

 

·      If you suffer from a mild infection, you might get better in a few days. But even then, you should get your kidneys checked to see if the virus has caused any damage them. 

 

·      In the event of a severe infection that requires hospitalization, be sure to monitor your kidneys. Consult a doctor and get your tests done. This would help detect any possible complications early on, reducing the risk of kidney failure.

 

·      Dialysis patients, or anyone who is on kidney dialysis, should be extra careful. See a doctor and if necessary, be hospitalized to keep the infection under control.

 

 

Health insurance - an important weapon to fight COVID-19

 

COVID XE Variant related hospitalisations can be quite expensive, especially when you are a kidney patient and the infection affects your kidneys. The medical bills can burn a hole in your pocket and cause financial strain. That is why it is beneficial to have a health insurance policy.

 

 

Indemnity-oriented health insurance plans pay your hospital bills. One such policy, designed specifically for the pandemic, is the Niva Bupa Health Insurance Corona Kavach plan. It covers COVID-related hospitalisations without any sub-limits or deductions. You get coverage for -

 

1. Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses

2. Room rent

3. Doctor's fees

4. Treatment costs

5. Nurse's fees

6. Any other cost associated with treating the pandemic

 

Coverage is allowed after a short waiting period of 15 days, and you can choose a sum insured ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000. The term of the policy can be 3.5 months, 6.5 months or 9.5 months.

 

Besides Corona Kavach, you can also opt for a critical illness insurance plan that covers acute kidney failure. In the unfortunate event where the pandemic causes severe kidney injuries, the critical illness plan would pay the sum insured in a lump sum. You would, then, be able to use the lump sum benefit to pay for advanced treatments or for meeting other financial obligations that you might have.

 

 

The bottom Line

 

It is bad enough to have a kidney problem, and the pandemic has the potential to make it even worse. So, be cautious if you are a kidney patient. Take precautions to avoid the virus. Also, invest in a health insurance plan for emergencies. If the pandemic strikes and causes kidney problems, the policy would give financial assistance and help you avail of quality healthcare.