Dialysis Patients at Higher Risk for Serious Complications from the Flu
September 30 2011 - 11:45AM
Business Wire
For most people, the flu is a temporary setback that makes them
feel under the weather for a week or two. For dialysis patients
with kidney failure, however, the flu is a serious health threat
that can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening
complications. Beginning in October, Fresenius Medical Care North
America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis
facilities, will offer all of its patients and clinical staff an
annual flu vaccine, which protects against both seasonal flu and
H1N1.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises
chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and particularly older
adults, to be vaccinated against the flu every year. CKD is a
progressive, usually permanent, loss of kidney function that can
take place over a period of months or years. When CKD progresses to
kidney failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD), the only
treatments are a kidney transplant or dialysis, a life-sustaining
treatment typically required every two to three days.
Carolyn Latham, VP of Clinical Quality and UltraCare® at
Fresenius Medical Care says, "It’s important for all of our
patients and staff to be vaccinated against the flu because of the
serious health complications that can result from this illness. We
also urge patients to take precautions in their daily lives to
protect themselves from catching and spreading influenza
viruses."
Patients should check with their local clinic to find out the
specific vaccination schedule near them. In addition to getting a
vaccine, Fresenius Medical Care offers these tips to help patients
avoid the flu this season:
- Wash your hands often with soap and
water, and scrub them all around for at least 20 seconds – the time
it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice.
Remember to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers,
and under your nails too. If soap and water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and
mouth — this is how germs are spread.
- Your dialysis treatment is extremely
important, so if you have signs of the flu when you come in for
treatment, inform your caregivers before entering the
clinic. They can provide you with a mask that may protect your
fellow patients and staff, while allowing you to receive
treatment.
- If you receive your flu shot elsewhere,
make sure to let your caregiver know so they can include this
information in your medical record.
FMCNA’s flu vaccination initiative demonstrates the company’s
UltraCare® mission of delivering excellent, patient-centered care
through innovative programs, the latest technology, continuous
quality improvement and a focus on superior customer service.
Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that cleans waste products
from the blood, removes extra fluids, and controls the body’s
chemistry when a person’s kidneys fail. Dialysis patients require
treatment on an ongoing basis unless they receive a kidney
transplant.
Flu vaccinations are covered by most health insurers. For more
information, go to www.ultracare-dialysis.com.
About Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS) is the world’s leading
company devoted to patient-oriented renal therapy. Through more
than 2,700 clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America,
Asia-Pacific and Africa, we provide kidney dialysis treatments to
approximately 215,000 patients worldwide. We are also the
world's leading maker of dialysis products such as hemodialysis
machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. Chronic kidney
failure is a condition that affects about 2 million
individuals worldwide.
For more information about the company’s more than 1,800 U.S.
dialysis facilities, visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com (in
English and Spanish). For more information about Fresenius
Medical Care, visit www.fmc-ag.com or www.fmcna.com.
Fresenius Medical Care (TG:FME)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Fresenius Medical Care (TG:FME)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024