Covid-19: Severity among kidney patients 3-4 times higher than in normal persons, says Dr Sudarshan Ballal

The severity of Covid-19 infections on renal patients and those who have undergone kidney transplants is three to four times higher than in normal persons, Manipal Hospitals chairman, veteran nephrologist Dr Sudarshan Ballal has said.

"We don't have data yet whether the new virus is any different in terms of virulence," Dr Ballal told ET, urging patients suffering from renal issues to take utmost precaution and protect themselves.

Both Covishield and Covaxin vaccines are safe for patients who are on regular dialysis and those who have undergone kidney transplant, he said.


In specific reference to patients with renal conditions, the veteran nephrologist said the mortality was much higher during the first wave of Covid-19. "The severity of infection among the (kidney) patients seems to be less than the first wave, as of now. We are still early in the second wave, so we don't know," Dr Ballal said.