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COVID-19 Managing risk in the “new normal”
As we all adjust to life with COVID-19, there are still many unanswered questions. We are moving from a time when public health measures were in place to protect the masses and keep our communities as safe as possible to a time when individuals now need to make personal choices to assess their own risk and protect their personal health.
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or people living with kidney disease, there is still an increased risk for more severe consequences as a result of COVID-19 and as a result, the transition to a new normal may be different. The following Q&A has been compiled with information featured in the March 2022 Bridging the Knowledge Gap Patient Symposium, and a follow up interview with Infectious Diseases Specialist, Dr. Reena Lovinsky. Our thanks to: Vydia Nankoosingh, Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, Scarborough Health Network; Gail Burns, Program Director, Nephrology Program Halton Healthcare and Dr Reena Lovinsky, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Scarborough Health Network for the information you’ve shared. It seems like many people are returning to “normal,” but I’m struggling to define what my new normal will look like? It’s normal to feel some anxiety and worry, and there is no right answer that fits everyone. People with conditions like kidney disease are more vulnerable to COVID, so it isn’t as simple to return to “normal.” It’s important for you to make decisions that are best for you and your personal situation. Talk to your family physician or care provider. They can help answer your questions and provide information, strategies and resources to help. I’m not vaccinated, and I have been fine so far. Do I need to get vaccinated now that restrictions are lifted? Now is an especially important time to get vaccinated. Community rates of COVID-19 are high across Canada and will likely increase as more people gather indoors, in crowded places with poor ventilation without masks. Your risk of exposure to someone with COVID-19 is quite high in the community and your best protection against COVID-19 is to get your full complement of COVID-19 vaccines including a booster dose.
4 / Kidney Living / Spring 2022
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