Home Connection
years first in the world
Volume 3, Issue 3 · Fall 2012
Prevent infections to keep yourself safe
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Infection means that germs are attacking your body, which can’t fight back as well as it should because you have kidney disease. Infection can cause serious illness and death – it is the second leading cause of death for dialysis patients. To keep yourself safe:
1. Use liquid antibacterial soap in the original container. (Germs can live on bar soap.) 2. Scrub for 30 seconds. 3. Scrub finger tips, around nails and between fingers. 4. Dry well with paper towels. (Germs like dampness.)
1. Keep up to date with vaccines, which help your body build protection from infection. Ask your doctor what you need. Northwest Kidney Centers provides vaccines for the flu, hepatitis B and streptococcus pneumonia. 2. Use hand sanitizer when you come to the unit – once when you enter and once again when you leave. If you are sick, wear a mask.
Wash your hands like a pro
Prevent dry skin Rough, dry skin traps and holds germs more than smooth skin. Use lotion to keep your hands from getting too dry.
Good habits in home dialysis helped Dashion Gore stay healthy for his kidney transplant.
3. Frequently wash any blankets, pillows or items that you use often. Use bleach if there are blood stains. 4. Always wash your hands. Your hands can carry thousands of germs. Always wash your hands before doing your exit site care and before making connections and disconnections for your treatment. 5. Notify your doctor and the unit if you see redness, swelling, or pus oozing from the access exit site area, or if you have pain at the access site, chills or a fever greater than 100˚ F.
Our pharmacy delivers Our friendly staff can fill prescriptions for all your medications. Delivery is free.
Phone 206-343-4870 Toll-free 800-947-8902 pharmacy@nwkidney.org