# How COVID-19 Impacts Individuals with IgA Nephropathy: Insights and Precautions

By

the PicnicHealth Team

Mar 28, 2023 • 3 min read

## **COVID-19 and IgA Nephropathy: Understanding Risks, Precautions, and Insights**

> Some people with IgAN may be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 due to their weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide, including those with chronic conditions such as IgAN. Although there is limited research on the effects of [COVID-19 on people with IgAN](/content/patients/resources/blog/igan-treatment-options/index.html), it is crucial to take precautions and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms.

People with IgAN and COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of complications due to their weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. It is essential to follow CDC guidelines and take precautions such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands regularly.

## **COVID-19 can pose risks for those with IgA nephropathy**  **‍**

According to recent studies, people with chronic kidney disease, including IgAN, are at an increased risk of severe illness or hospitalization if they contract COVID-19.

If you have IgAN and are concerned about getting vaccinated for COVID-19, it is important that you speak with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks based on your individual situation. It is generally recommended that people with chronic conditions, including IgAN, get vaccinated as it can reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

It is important to note that receiving the [COVID-19 vaccine](/content/patients/resources/blog/index.html) may not provide complete protection against the virus, and it is still necessary to take precautions and follow CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission.

If you experience [symptoms of COVID-19](/content/patients/resources/blog/iganephropathy-symptoms-and-signs/index.html), such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines from trusted sources to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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### Create a List

List the names of all the doctors, hospitals, and other facilities your loved one visits regularly, along with those they have visited in the past. Try to go back as far as you can, striving for at least the last 5-10 years, but do your best. Even if you can’t remember them all, having a strong baseline can help you quickly identify gaps in records.

#### Ensure You Have the Appropriate Legal Status

It is important to make sure that you are fully empowered to make decisions on behalf of your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Your relationship status with the patient may not be enough to legally give you access to your loved one's medical information. It is a good idea to talk to an expert about securing special legal status, such as Power of Attorney (POA), a legal document that allows an individual to name someone as their decision maker should they no longer be able to make decisions on their own.

#### Gather and Organize the Medical Records in One Place

It’s important to have all of your loved one’s medical records together in one spot. This makes it much easier for you and your loved one’s physicians to accurately map the patient’s medical journey and more easily share information between doctors. Fortunately, tools exist to make record management and access simple. A free resource like PicnicHealth helps you collect and organize all of this information. PicnicHealth’s intuitive timeline allows you to pinpoint data across the medical history, eliminating your need for keeping heavy binders filled with paper records or keeping track of multiple software portal logins.

#### Review the Medical Records to be an Informed Advocate

The better you understand your loved one's medical history, the better you can advocate on their behalf. Access and understanding of this information will help you to ask informed questions with physicians. Through regular communication backed by the data in the medical records, you can help your loved one’s care team develop a more successful care plan.