Dialysis can dampen your immunity, therefore being aware of infection prevention is important. Some people on dialysis may be more likely to get an infection due to the vulnerability of their access site or other health conditions like diabetes. People living with kidney disease are also at greater risk for complications related to illnesses like the flu and pneumonia.
How to avoid infection?
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Practice good hygiene – washing your hands often or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help prevent infection. -
Care for your access properly – it's important to follow your care team's exact instructions on how to care for your dialysis access site. -
Get vaccinated – it's important to get vaccinated as recommended by your doctor or nurse. -
Keep up with treatment for all health conditions – taking all of your medications and completing all treatments exactly as prescribed can protect your health.
When to do hand hygiene?
Arriving in the unit
Before sitting down for treatment
Before you apply pressure on your access site
After holding your access site or removing the gloves
Before and after eating
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After using the restroom
Steps for washing your access before treatment
Wet access arm after hand wash
Take a small amount of soap
Apply liquid soap onto access arm
Rub soap into access arm in circular motion for one minute
Rinse off soap completely
Dry access arm with paper towel
Other steps to maintain good hygiene in the dialysis center
- Report to your care team if you have any signs or symptoms of infection, or if you have a cold or flu.
- Keep your clothes clean and change them regularly. Clothes may also transfer germs.
- Don’t share food with others while in the center in order to avoid cross contamination.
- Keep your bags away from the dialysis machines, trolleys, and garbage bins.
- Use the treatment equipment assigned to you.
- Do not touch the contents of garbage bins.
