What Precautions Should Kidney Patients Take In This Flu Season: Dr. Sagar Gupta

World Kidney day (WKD) is celebrated every year on the 2nd Thursday in March. World kidney day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. This year the theme for the WKD is “Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere”.

At Metro Heart Institute with Multispecialty Faridabad we are observing world kidney week from March 12th – 19th in the Nephrology and Urology department. Services offered will include discounted consultations and testing to help detect kidney diseases and its complications early.

Also this season is the Flu season and the special Virus Corona Virus (COVID-19) has been affecting people worldwide. People with viral illnesses can also develop kidney problems both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. As widely advised by different health and government authorities, one should take special precautions to keep yourself safe from Flu, Coronavirus and other special viral illnesses like H1N1.

To keep yourself and your kidneys safe this season, observe the following practices:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Use an alcohol based hand rub or hand sanitizer.
• Keep a safe distance of 1-2 meters from anybody who has cough and cold or febrile illness around you.
• If you are sick stay away from your friends and family members who can catch the infection from you.
• Avoid crowded places and large gatherings.
• Drink lots of fluids up to 2-3 liters.

In case you develop symptoms like cold, runny nose, cough, sputum, fever, body ache, severe fatigue or malaise, please consult a qualified physician. While minor illnesses van be easily treated at home, moderate to severe cases will need hospitalization and close observation. Under any circumstances, do not panic as it only makes things worse.

Stay fit, stay healthy! Prevention is the best medicine.

Dr. Sagar Gupta
Consultant – Nephrology
Metro Hospital Faridabad