Doing everything you can during COVID-19

A dialysis & transplant patient guide

There are many things you can do during this time of COVID-19 to take care of yourself, your living donors, friends, and your family.

This kidney and transplant patient guide has been developed by leading healthcare professionals at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), the Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), and Health Literacy Media (HLM), after reviewing national guidelines, to answer commonly asked questions and explain actions you can take to help.

We particularly thank the kidney patient and donor panel who have submitted questions and reviewed content.

For kidney & transplant patients, the most important things you can do are to:

Prevent getting and spreading COVID-19
Maintain your health and follow your kidney, dialysis, and transplant regimen
Monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms and get prepared if you need to act
- Seek medical care if your health worsens
Stay calm and supported.
Learn about and talk to your transplant team about whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Patients and potential living donors who are waiting for transplant or donation must also understand any changes in their dialysis and transplant care and weigh the risks and benefits of pursuing or receiving a transplant, or of becoming a donor, at this time.

The following information is intended only for health education purposes and does not take the place of a doctor’s advice. You should consult with your doctor when making any decisions about your care.

This guide will be updated regularly as new information is learned. Last updated 1/7/21.

Click on any question to see the answer, or go here for our list of additional resources.

The new COVID-19 vaccines

What is the current status of COVID-19 vaccines?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of a COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech. Healthcare organizations in many states may get their first doses by mid-December 2020. Because there is a limited supply of vaccine, front line health care workers and those at the greatest risk of death from COVID-19 will receive doses first. The CDC will guide and closely monitor the distribution of doses. Later in December, the FDA will consider a request to authorize use of another COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna. The same distribution process will also be in place with the Moderna vaccine.

How many COVID-19 vaccines are under development?

Multiple COVID-19 vaccines are still under development. In the United States, Operation Warp Speed (OWS) is supporting 6 potential vaccines. A number of other vaccines are also undergoing development outside of OWS. Those in Phase 3 are in large clinical trials and getting close to being ready for emergency authorization use.

Vaccine Maker	Clinical Trial Phase
Moderna	Phase 3
Janssen	Phase 3
Pfizer	Phase 2/3
AstraZeneca	Phase 2/3
Sanofi Pasteur GSK	Phase 1/2
Novavax	Phase 1

How do the new vaccines work to stop COVID-19?

Like any other vaccine, the new COVID-19 vaccines work by boosting your body’s immune response, its ability to spot and kill foreign invaders by making antibodies. The Pfizer and Modern vaccines both use genetic material (mRNA) from the COVID-19 virus to help your body spot viral cells. The COVID-19 vaccine helps your body to make antibodies that can bind to parts of cells called spike proteins on the outside of the virus. When the antibodies bind, they stop the virus from entering your cells.

Since spike proteins do not belong in the human body, your immune system will find and kill them and the COVID-19 virus. This stops the virus from reproducing and making you sick. Then, if you are exposed to COVID-19 later on, your immune system will be able to spot the virus and keep you protected.

For the vaccine to be effective, you need to get two doses.

Are the new vaccines safe?

Rigorous standards for safety were set by the FDA in June 2020. All vaccines must meet these safety and effectiveness standards. While there are currently no licensed mRNA vaccines in the United States, they have been studied for decades for use with cancer and other infectious diseases. The new vaccines have been tested in over 70,000 participants and have not shown any major concerns at a median of 2 months follow up.

Most serious side effects, if any, happen in the first few days after getting the vaccine, and are temporary. We do not expect that there will be significant long-term side effects.

As a transplant patient, should I definitely get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, suggests that all immunocompromised people, such as transplant patients, get the COVID-19 vaccine. The American Society of Transplantation (AST) highly recommends that members of their household get vaccinated as well. The AST also recommends getting vaccinated more than 2 weeks before transplantation or 1 to 6 months post-transplant. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about getting vaccinated.

Under what circumstances should somebody not get the vaccine?

Will I need more than one shot?

Do I need to wear a mask when I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that during the pandemic all people wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when in contact with others outside your household, when in health care facilities, and when getting any vaccine. Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a mask without help should not wear a mask. For more information, visit considerations for wearing masks.

Have any been tested with transplant patients or other health populations yet?

How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are showing 94.1-95% effectiveness in preventing infection COVID-19 in healthy adults and those older than 65 years of age . Data also suggest that when people who received the shot get sick, they have a milder case of COVID-19 compared to people who did not get the shot.

It is not yet known for how long the vaccine will last or keep your immune system working to catch and kill the virus. Current data suggests at least 4 months.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines will need to be further studied in solid organ transplant recipients. Solid organ transplant recipients may have a lower immune response and make fewer antibodies than those without transplants. Other routine vaccines in transplant patients do not last as long as they do in people with a normal immune response. Lastly, patients vaccinated pre-transplant, may have reduced protection post-transplant, particularly if therapies that reduce B –cell function (e.g. rituximab) are used.

If enough people get vaccinated, will I be ok without it?

“Herd immunity” happens when a virus cannot spread because it cannot find an unvaccinated person to infect. However, relying on herd immunity is risky and can take a very long time because it needs almost everyone to be vaccinated. Additionally, little is known about COVID-19 immunity and reinfection. Therefore, it is safer for everyone to get vaccinated and do their part to stop COVID-19.

What are the potential benefits of getting the vaccine?

By getting vaccinated, you will be less likely to get sick with COVID-19, and if you do get sick, it may be a less severe form of illness. As a transplant recipient, you are more likely to suffer serious illness or death from COVID-19 compared to the general public, so getting vaccinated has added benefits for you. Finally, by getting vaccinated yourself, you are also helping to protect the people in your household and those you are in contact with.

What are the potential risks of getting the vaccine?

As with any vaccine, there is a small chance that you may have adverse side effects. The new COVID-19 vaccines, similar to other common vaccines, may cause temporary fevers, muscle aches, and headaches soon after immunization. Most are mild to moderate in severity, but some may be severe enough to briefly limit activities. These side effects typically go away in 1-2 days.

Since the COVID-19 vaccine is new, we do not know yet how transplant recipients and immunocompromised patients may respond to it. However, transplant recipients do routinely get many other types of vaccines, such as the annual flu vaccine, without any problem.

Will it cause me to lose my kidney transplant?

No. There is no reason to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine can trigger organ rejection or other major illness that could jeopardize your organ. The safety of mRNA vaccines is still under investigation in solid organ transplant recipients. Expert opinion is that based on their mechanism of action, they are unlikely to trigger rejection episodes, but more data will be needed in transplant recipients.

I am waiting for transplant. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. The American Society of Transplantation recommends that all transplant candidates and their household members get the vaccine when it becomes available. Ideally, transplant candidates should be targeted for vaccination while they are awaiting transplant. In general, vaccines are recommended more than 2 weeks prior to transplantation, or starting at 1-6 months after transplantation.

Will getting the vaccine raise my chances of dying?

Could the vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and do not have not have live viruses. There is no risk of getting infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from these vaccines.

However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it's possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection, and NOT because the vaccine caused the sickness.

Will transplant patients get priority and get the vaccine faster?

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have filed for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). After EUA approval, limited COVID-19 vaccine doses may be available before the end of 2020. It is anticipated that supply will increase substantially in early- to mid-2021.

Currently the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are considering these groups for early vaccination in a phased distribution:

Healthcare personnel
Residents of long-term care facilities
People at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions
People 65 years and older
Workers in essential and critical industries

Based on this, transplant patients may qualify as Phase 1c, persons at high-risk due to medical conditions.

Can I choose which vaccine I will get?

Not at this time. At the moment, each state will decide which vaccine will be made available at healthcare organizations in the state. Your doctor will let you know which vaccine is available to you. It is important that you get the same vaccine for both doses; the vaccines can’t be “mixed.” For example, if you get the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, you must get the same Pfizer vaccine for your second dose. Same for the Moderna vaccine. Do not get one of each.

How long will I have immunity for after getting the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine?

Will I need to still need wear a mask after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

If I get vaccinated, can I still transmit the virus?

If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to be vaccinated?

Yes. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. If you have had COVID-19 in the past 3 months, you can wait to be vaccinated since vaccine supplies are limited. There are case reports of immunosuppressed patients developing COVID-19 reinfection, suggesting lack of appropriate immune response or waning immunity after the first infection.

When can I stop wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with others after I have been vaccinated?

We don’t know. There is not enough information currently available to say if or when CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Experts need to understand more about the protection these COVID-19 vaccines provide before making that decision. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision. As of now, you should continue to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others even if you and they are vaccinated.

What is the purpose of the transplant vaccine trial?

The transplant team at Johns Hopkins is running the ‘National Vaccine Research Study for Transplant Recipients.’ The purpose of the study is to learn more about the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine for transplant patients. The study does not provide the vaccine. Individuals who have received the vaccine will answer questions and provide a blood sample after receiving the vaccine. For more information, visit: transplantvaccine.org.

Specifics about each vaccine

How effective is the Pfizer vaccine?

How effective is the Moderna vaccine?

Is the Pfizer vaccine safe?

This vaccine has undergone rigorous review of extensive data. FDA scientists and physicians deeply experienced in vaccination safety and effectiveness have approved the shots for use. There will be detailed monitoring of people who have received the shot to monitor for safety, and participants in the studies will be followed for two years.

We understand there may be doubt about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially among people of color, because of historical medical racism and experimentation in people of color. The COVID-19 clinical trials included people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and the vaccine was found to be effective and safe for all participants.

Experts believe getting the approved shots – together with continuing to wear a face covering, maintaining physical distancing and avoiding crowds, especially inside buildings – is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your friends and others.

What are potential side effects to getting the Pfizer vaccine?

The Pfizer and Modern vaccines work by helping your body to make antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help fight infections from viruses, bacteria and other germs. Mild symptoms are common – a normal response when making antibodies. It is not a sign of infection.

In Pfizer’s ongoing clinical trials involving 44,000 volunteers, the relatively common side effects were:

pain at the place where you got your shot
feeling tired
headache
muscle pain
chills
joint pain
mild fever

These side effects were generally mild and went away after a day or two. Side effects seem to be higher after the second dose. To be safe, experts recommend being prepared to take time off after the second dose. If symptoms are unpleasant, you can take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). If symptoms persist longer than a few days or if you are worried, call your main doctor.

As with any vaccine, there is a low chance of allergic reaction. If you have a history of allergic reaction to other vaccines, please discuss with your primary care physician whether you should get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Where can I learn more about COVID-19 vaccines?

How to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19

How does someone get COVID-19?

tip: 6 feet

The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.

People get infected with COVID-19 when they are in close, direct contact with someone who carries the virus. The virus is mainly spread through respiratory droplets and contact with infected surfaces. Droplets are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. The droplets contain the virus and can fall to surfaces and live for hours to days. These droplets can be inhaled by others who are too close. Touching surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your face can also spread COVID-19.

The virus needs to get inside your body to survive. It can enter through your mouth, nose, or eyes. It cannot enter through your skin. People are thought to be most contagious when they have symptoms (and 2 days before
symptoms start). Some people may spread the virus even if they do not show any symptoms. Or they could be only mildly sick.

The safest thing is to stay home if you can. Limit your contact with people. If you must go out, stay 6 feet or more away from other people.

It may also be possible to catch the virus from a surface that droplets landed on, or that an infected person touched after touching their face. This is called community transmission. Common examples are:

- door handles
- toilet handles
- tabletops
- phones
- pens
- silverware
- dishes

The virus can live for several hours or up to several days, depending on the type of surface. Wash your hands often and sanitize the surfaces of your house with disinfecting wipes. The most important way to keep yourself safe is to wash your hands often and disinfect surfaces of your house with disinfecting wipes.

What can I do to prevent getting COVID-19?

To prevent getting COVID-19, do these 6 things:

Wash your hands often with soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. If handwashing is not possible, use hand sanitizer and rub it on your hands for 20 seconds until they are dry.

Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face.

Stay home except for essential trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, or health appointments.

Practice social distancing. If you must go out in public, keep 6 feet between yourself and others. That’s about the length of one sofa.

Kidney & transplant patients: You are at higher risk of problems if you are infected. Wear an N95 mask when out in public, if you have one. Wearing a surgical or cloth mask does not protect you – rather, it protects others from your breath. Keep your distance – at least 6 feet away from other people – even if they have face coverings.

- - If you don’t have an N95 mask, wear a surgical or cloth face covering.
  - It’s safer if everyone wears a surgical mask or cloth face covering, because it helps lower the spread of infection.

Use disinfecting wipes to regularly disinfect the frequently-touched surfaces in your home. Pay attention to the things you touch.

How do I wash my hands correctly?

View the video above to see the correct way to wash hands. It should take you at least 20 seconds — about as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Apply enough soap to cover your hand. Don’t forget to get between your fingers, and under your nails.

Here’s how to wash your hands:

Run water on your hands.
Put soap on your hands.
Rub the inside of your hands together.
Put your hand over the back of your left, rub them. Then switch.
Put your palms together and interlace your fingers.
Interlock your palms and fingers.
Rub each thumb and under your nails.
Rub your fingers back and forth on the opposite palm. Then switch.
Rinse your hands with water.
Dry your hand off with a paper towel.
Turn the water off with the paper towel and throw it away.

How can I protect myself if I need to go out in public?

Only go out for essential trips. These include to get groceries or for medical needs, dialysis, or necessary medical tests. Do not go out in public if you have any symptoms, such as a cough or fever, unless it is for medical help.

Regardless of whether you are sick or not, if you must go out:

Wear an N95 mask, if you have one. If you don’t have an N95 mask, wear a surgical mask or cloth face covering. Avoid touching the outside of the mask to prevent infection.
Wear disposable gloves if you can, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after wearing gloves. Do not touch your mask or face with the gloves.
Stay 6 feet or more away from others – except for health care workers who need to test you or give you treatment.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose until you can wash your hands.
Take hand sanitizer with you. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer (of at least 60% alcohol) as you enter and leave public places. Do not make your own hand sanitizer.
If possible, don’t use public transportation. If you must ride the bus or subway, wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from others. You may want to consider wearing a face shield. Do not touch your face, and wash your hands with soap afterwards.

What should I do when I get back home to stay safe?

When you get back home:

Remove your mask by touching only the loops or ties that keep it in place, not the front.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (this is best). Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Use disinfecting wipes or spray to disinfect any surfaces you touched after you were in a public place, such as the steering wheel, keys, credit card, cell phone, and doorknobs.
Remove your shoes right inside your entryway or leave them outside.
Take off your clothes and wash them. Washing with regular detergent and drying them is good enough to kill any germs.
Wash your hands again with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Relax in your home knowing you have kept yourself and your family as safe as possible.

How can my family members avoid spreading the virus to me?

If you live with someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 at work, school, in the community, or has just returned from traveling, avoid any contact with them for 14 days.
Stay in separate rooms, use separate bathrooms, and don’t share towels, dishes, or beds.
If you cannot do this, stay at least 6 feet apart as much as possible and clean and disinfect the surfaces of your home regularly.
Ask the sick person to sneeze or cough into a tissue or sleeve. And wash their hands!
The sick person should wear a mask or cloth face covering if they must pass through shared rooms.
Only the sick person should disinfect their own room, or a shared bathroom after they use it.

Can I get COVID-19 from my pet or other pets in my neighborhood?

At this time, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted from pets to humans, however:

Pets that go outside could carry COVID-19 on their coats or paws back into the home.
You may want to wipe off their paws and coat with a wet, soapy wash cloth before letting them come back inside. Do not use disinfectants on pets.
Petting other people’s animals or allowing others to pet your animal means they are too close, so avoid this. Wash your hands before and after caring for or feeding pets.
Regularly disinfect surfaces that pets have contact with.
People who are isolating at home because they have COVID-19 should limit their direct contact with animals including petting them, being licked, or sleeping in the same location.

How should I clean and sanitize mail or packages that come into my house?

Experts say there is a low chance of getting COVID-19 from products or packaging. The virus will not survive during the 2-3 days it takes to mail something to your home.

However, if a delivery person is infected, they could contaminate the outside of the package. To be safe, open packages outside and throw away the outer packaging. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. That should be enough.

What can I do if I run out of disinfecting wipes and can’t get more?

If you run out of disinfecting wipes, use a disinfectant spray and paper towels.

Before you disinfect, clean the surface with soap and water. This is often a missed step. For more information, visit this CDC webpage.

Disinfectants are not always good for cleaning as well as disinfecting. Check the label:

Does it clean and disinfect at the same time?
Check for the “dwell time”, which can vary by product.

You can find a complete list of products that are approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 at this webpage on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website

Approved wipes and sprays include:

Various brands such as Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol® Disinfectant Spray, Clorox® Multi Surface Cleaner + Bleach, Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, and Soft Scrub® with Bleach.
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

For some surfaces, you can also make diluted bleach solution to disinfect. Use a ratio of 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water (that is the same as 1 teaspoon of bleach per cup of water). Tips for making bleach solution:

Check the bleach container to make sure it is not past the expiration date.
Make fresh solution every day because it becomes less effective as time passes.
Clean the surface, then apply the bleach solution and let it air dry.

Do not use bleach solution on metal or other surfaces that could be discolored by bleach. Do not use full strength bleach to disinfect surfaces.

Is it okay to get takeout food, such as fast food, delivery, or to-go meals?

How to maintain your health and treatment routine

What should I do to stay healthy during COVID-19?

Should I take supplements, remedies, or medicines that haven’t been prescribed?

Should I stop taking my medicines or lower my dose so I don’t run low?

Should I decrease my immunosuppressant to lower my risk of COVID-19?

How to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms

What symptoms of COVID-19 should I watch for?

Many people who get COVID-19, about 1 in 4 (25%), do not have any symptoms or have only mild symptoms that can be managed at home.

COVID-19 symptoms are like flu symptoms and appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The most common symptoms may include:

Fever greater than 100° F
Feeling tired
Runny nose
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills, or repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

If you develop symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your doctor. They will help you decide if you should get tested for COVID-19 and tell you where to go.

Tip: You can check your symptoms using the following resources:

CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Emory University’s Coronavirus Checker: c19check.com

COVID-19 symptoms may include

Could the symptoms of COVID-19 be different for certain patients?

What should I do if I think I might have been exposed to COVID-19?

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, begin self-isolation at home for 14 days.

Avoid contact or sharing spaces with family members to avoid infecting them. You could infect others even if you are not having symptoms yourself.
Call your doctor’s office or ask for a telehealth visit (a digital health care visit) to discuss your concerns and find out what to do if you begin to develop symptoms. The CDC recommends telehealth (video visits) over in-person visits to avoid spreading the infection.

What’s telehealth, and how could it help me?

Telehealth is a way to meet with your doctor online. It’s similar to a video call with friends or family using FaceTime or Skype, but is more secure. Many health providers are now offering telephone or telehealth appointments so you can meet with them safely from your home.

Be prepared. You should learn what to do ahead of time so you know how to get medical care easily at home in case your health changes.

Call and ask your provider if they offer a telehealth option.
Call your insurance company to find out about their coverage for telehealth visits.
If you are a Medicare patient and your provider does telehealth visits, you can schedule a virtual check-in appointment. You’ll pay your usual Medicare copay and deductible for these services.

If you have to schedule an in-person visit with your doctor, remind them that you have a health condition and ask if they have extended hours, either early or late, to limit contact with other people as much as possible.

How do they test to see if I might have COVID-19?

If the doctor thinks it is necessary, you will get a test for COVID-19. There are 2 types of tests that you might receive:

Viral swab test

This test is used to find if you are currently infected (are positive for COVID-19). A health care worker will swab your nasal passage, send it to a lab, and then the lab will test for the coronavirus.

Antibody blood test

This is a blood test to see if you had COVID-19 and have recovered. It looks for your body’s immune response to COVID-19, not for the virus itself. When a person’s body recognizes an invader, it begins to produce antibodies, much like soldiers defending the body against a specific threat.

If antibodies for COVID-19 are found in your blood, it tells doctors you have been exposed to COVID-19 and your body already fought it off. You may not have even known you were sick.
Antibody tests are not perfect yet. We do not know what having antibodies to COVID-19 really means as far as risk of gettting sick again. Follow the important safety steps in this guide, regardless of your antibody test results. You could still get sick.

How do I know if I should go to the hospital?

If you test positive for COVID-19 but are having only mild symptoms, you should continue to rest and recover at home as you self-isolate. Keep in touch with your doctor.

If your symptoms worsen, you may need to get medical help. If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention right away:

Any trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to wake up
Bluish lips or face
Throwing up (vomiting) so can’t keep fluids down
Dry mouth and less urine (dehydration)
Other serious symptoms

For a medical emergency, call 911 right away!

Tell the 911 operator that you may have COVID-19 and need medical help.
If possible, put on a mask or cloth face covering before the ambulance arrives.

What will happen if I have to go to the emergency room?

Most hospitals are not allowing visitors at this time, so if someone brought you to the hospital, they may not be able to go inside the building with you. When you get there, patients with possible COVID-19 symptoms will be separated from those without symptoms.

Here are some things that you may experience at the hospital:

At the hospital, you will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and have your temperature taken.
The Emergency Room may be crowded.
Doctors and nurses may be wearing more protective gear – masks, gowns, gloves, face shields – than you are used to seeing.
You may have a swab test for active COVID-19 infection or a blood test for COVID-19 antibodies. If your blood shows antibodies, it means your immune system has already fought COVID-19.
Depending on your symptoms and test results, the doctors will decide if you need to be admitted to the hospital or can go home to self-isolate.

What would happen if I needed to be hospitalized?

If you need to hospitalized for COVID-19, the doctors will make sure that you get excellent supportive treatment to manage your symptoms. This might include giving you fluids or breathing treatments to make breathing easier. If necessary, you will be placed on a ventilator, a machine that helps you breathe.

To prevent spreading the virus, it’s likely you will not be able to have visitors.

How to stay calm and supported

Can kidney and transplant patients recover from having COVID-19?

How can I stay hopeful during this difficult time?

While it may seem like this quarantine is never-ending, remind yourself that this is temporary. This period of life will pass and we will slowly return to the more normal and busy routines of daily life soon.

You may not always know it, but a lot is happening to help kidney and transplant patients.

Scientists are working to develop a larger number of COVID-19 tests to get results to people faster. Research studies are taking place to develop a vaccine and find out what medicines work the best for treating COVID-19.
Research is being done to develop a vaccine.
Research is being done to find out what medicines work best to treat COVID-19.
Healthcare providers everywhere are ready to help people who become sick.
Telehealth is being set up to make it easier for people to talk with their doctors from home.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, people are staying home and wearing masks in public places.

The transplant system is vital and will return to full operation as soon as it is safe to do so.

In all the ways we can, everyone is working hard to keep patients safe and healthy. Hold on to the hope that while it is hard now, this will eventually end.

How can caregivers, family members, and friends help me feel supported?

Caregivers, family members, and friends are essential to your wellbeing during this time. Reach out and ask for help or support. It can make a positive difference in how you feel. It may seem hard to ask for help, but people want to help you stay safe.

Friends, family, or neighbors can help you by picking up essentials like groceries or prescriptions and delivering them to your porch.

Others can also meet your need for emotional connection through regular texting, phone calls, video chats, and social media posts. Use these times to discuss what’s on your mind or talk about topics that help you feel good. If possible, set up weekly conversations with certain people so you can look forward to their regular visits. Share things you are grateful for.

What can I do if I’m feeling really anxious, stressed, or sad?

You are not alone in feeling this way. It’s okay to feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, sad, angry, or scared. Many other people are also dealing with these feelings right now. Each of us do different things to help us deal with it.

Here are helpful tips for what you can do when you have these feelings:

Follow daily routines

Try to do as much as you did before COVID-19. For example, go to bed and wake up at your normal times, make breakfast, get dressed, and talk to your friends or co-workers (by phone or video chat). Write a daily schedule to help you stick to your routine.

Practice self-acceptance

We are all living in a new and challenging time. Things like meeting deadlines, helping kids with homework, and putting meals on the table are all harder to manage. Be kind to yourself. Try to adjust what you expect from yourself and have small daily goals. There is no roadmap for this experience, and we are all doing our best.

Limit watching news reports

It may help you feel better to limit the time you spend on COVID-19 news through TV, radio, and social media. Keep in mind that news can focus on the negatives. Find a few trusted sources you can check a few times a day for a set number of minutes. Also, keep children away from the news and alarming conversations. They can become very frightened by what they hear and may not understand.

Work on something you can control

Take back control by working on something small that you have power over. Now is the time to take charge of your life to keep you and your household safe. Clean out your closet, organize your pantry, or sort through old mail on your desk. Work on that home project you’ve been meaning to do! If possible, include children and others to build and strengthen your connections to them. Share joy.

What else can I do to relieve my stress?

Take some time to connect with yourself and find out what helps you the most. Everyone copes with stress differently.

Here are some stress-relieving ideas:

Set aside time to practice deep breathing, as shown here.
Meditate or sit quietly outside. As you breathe, focus on a personally meaningful mantra – word(s) you repeat in your mind, like, “This, too, shall pass,” “I can do this,” or “Peace.”
Go for a walk – or exercise or dance at home.
Write in a journal, color, or knit – anything creative that relaxes you.
Watch television, play a board game, or stream free online concerts, talks, or arts events.
Call or video chat with a friend or family member.
Try making a new recipe.

Tip: Check out the resources for mental wellness and stress management.

How can I stay active during this time?

Staying active is a great way to lower stress and maintain your health. Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

If you’re not comfortable walking outside, there are many ways to be active at home. You can find many workout video tutorials on YouTube, such as for yoga or HIIT, that don’t require special equipment. Or just put on your favorite music and dance like no one is watching!

Who can I talk to if I am feeling overwhelmed?

You can reach out to those who love you – your caregiver, family members, and close friends.

Having a dedicated space and time to talk to important people in your life can help reduce your stress or anxiety. It keeps you connected to your loved ones.
There are also many resources you can use when you are feeling overwhelmed or at times your community is not available to support you.

How your kidney care might change during COVID-19

Dialysis care changes during COVID-19

How could my dialysis care change?

As a dialysis patient, how and where you access care may change in response to COVID-19. Dialysis facilities are implementing new policies to help keep patients safe. For example, centers are:

Screening patients for temperature and asking about COVID-19 symptoms before they enter.
Limiting visitors.
Placing dialysis chairs further apart, where possible.
Isolating patients with possible COVID-19 symptoms in a separate treatment area or even sending them to a different dialysis center designated to care for COVID-19 patients safely.

What can I do to stay safe at dialysis?

When going to a dialysis center or any medical setting, take all of the recommended precautions for staying safe when going out in public and after returning home (see How can I protect myself if I need to go out in public? and What should I do when I get back home to stay safe?).

Ask your dialysis center what they are doing to keep you safe. Contact the providers you trust, including social workers, to ask questions about anything that is unclear to you.

What happens if I have, or may have, COVID-19 and need dialysis?

Call the dialysis center if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. The center will schedule your dialysis if and when the isolation room is available at your dialysis unit.

If your center doesn’t have an isolation room, your dialysis social worker will arrange for you to go to another dialysis center in your area where they can safely treat patients with COVID-19.

After 14 days, you should be able to return to your original clinic.

What if my transportation company refuses services because of COVID-19?

Transplant care changes during COVID-19

Should I still go to the transplant center for routine medical tests?

Patients who recently received a transplant may need to be seen in person at the transplant center.

You can call the transplant center to see if they have a “safe pass through” or private entrance that allows patients who don’t have COVID-19 symptoms to enter the center with minimal risk.
Other patients may be asked to use telehealth to begin evaluation or meet with their doctor. Some patients may be able to safely delay their visits.
Please contact your transplant coordinator for further instructions.

Can I get a doctor’s note to my employer so I can work from home?

It is recommended that immunosuppressed patients work from home, or take a leave from work. Transplant centers can write letters to employers for patients and family members living with them, especially if the patient must use public transportation. See a sample letter to an employer at the end of this guide to help you and your provider know what to write.

Do not go to work if you are sick in any way.

If you must go to work:

Wear an N95 mask, if you have one.
If you don’t, wear a surgical mask or cloth covering.
Stay at least 6 feet away from everyone else. If there is a separate office with a door that you can use, that’s safer than sitting in a room full of cubicles.
Hold meetings as virtual meetings or calls.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Avoid using public transportation to get there.

How can I get help paying for my immunosuppressant medications right now?

If a deceased donor kidney becomes available, can I still get a transplant?

tip: call your transplant center

As you probably know, a deceased donor kidney transplant is a surgery where doctors put a kidney from someone who has died into someone whose kidneys no longer work.

Your position on the transplant waiting list is still the same during this time. However, since transplant centers are focusing on reducing the risk of patients being exposed to COVID-19, they are only doing selected transplants at this time.

Some centers may be holding off on transplants that can be delayed without harming the health of the patient. Transplant centers also may be closing and reopening because the hospital needs more beds available for ill COVID-19 patients. Since transplant is an essential healthcare service, any closure will not be permanent.

How can I know that the deceased donor didn’t have COVID-19?

Doctors screen all donated organs for COVID-19. Only organs from deceased donors who are confirmed not to have COVID-19 can be used.

Currently, it is unknown if a donated organ can give a recipient COVID-19. However, donors are screened many times leading up to the donation. Only donors who test negative are allowed to donate. It is also important to know that COVID-19 tests are not always 100% accurate. Therefore, you and your transplant team should discuss the risks and benefits if you choose to pursue a kidney transplant during these times.

Your transplant team will talk with you about any organ offers and the potential risks and benefits that each specific offer presents. An organ is low risk if it is unlikely to have COVID-19 based on the recent medical and travel history of the deceased. An intermediate risk organ is one coming from a deceased donor who had some risk factors or potential COVID-19 symptoms.

If a deceased donor is considered low risk and the organ has tested negative multiple times for COVID-19, the kidney can be made available for transplantation. If a deceased donor is intermediate risk, their kidneys will be made available if they test negative for COVID-19, and the recipient is made aware of the organ’s risk status and decides to proceed with transplant. If COVID-19 testing is unavailable, the kidneys will not be made available for transplant. If a deceased donor is considered high risk for COVID-19 (e.g. had COVID-19 at time of death or was recently recovered), their kidneys are never used for transplant.

Can I still get a living donor kidney transplant now?

A living donor kidney transplant is a surgery where doctors put a kidney from a living person into someone whose kidneys no longer work.

Since people who enter a hospital are at higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19, living donation has stopped at some centers and slowed at others. Some centers are still doing living donor transplants on a case-by-case basis. Living donor kidney transplants for patients who are about to start dialysis may still be happening. COVID-19 testing will be done to make sure the living donor does not have COVID-19 before any transplant takes place. Call your transplant coordinator to ask what is happening at your center.

Are paired kidney donations (swaps or chains) still happening?

Paired kidney donation is a form of living donor kidney transplant where a donor donates their kidney to another recipient in exchange for a compatible kidney for their intended recipient.

Paired kidney donation can require coordination across multiple transplant centers and flying kidneys to different locations. This is the most complex type of transplant to coordinate. New services like home blood draws and antibody testing are being developed to allow potential living donors to be evaluated without having to come into the hospital. Paired donor kidney donation can take place when living donor transplants happen across many centers.

Deciding about transplant & living donation during COVID-19

Would it be better to stay on dialysis than to get a transplant during COVID-19?

There is no way to know when the COVID-19 crisis will be over. Despite our best efforts, anyone can become exposed to COVID-19 when they go out in public or in medical settings. Each patient must weigh the risks of going into a hospital for transplant surgery against the benefits of having a functioning transplant.

Some patients will decide that it is best not to get a transplant right now to avoid being near patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19. They want to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19, especially when they would be recovering from surgery and taking medicines that would suppress their immune system.

Other patients will want to move forward with transplant so they do not have to begin dialysis or because a deceased donor kidney that matches them has become available. These patients believe that the benefits of transplant to their overall health outweigh the risks of getting COVID-19. They also believe that if they got COVID-19, they could recover.

If I turn down a deceased donor organ offered to me, will I get another?

You still remain active on the waiting list for future organ offers. You will not be penalized and will remain active on the waiting list for future organ offers. However, if you choose to decline a donated organ, it may take some time before another becomes available. Sometimes another kidney that matches you may never become available. If you are a kidney patient, this would mean remaining on dialysis.

What does it mean to be temporarily inactive?

Should I delay my living donor transplant?

How will my recovery from transplant surgery change due to COVID-19?

If you do get a transplant at this time, there will be extra things to watch for. Doctors will monitor your general health and kidney function closely after surgery. They will pay special attention to keep you free of COVID-19. It will be important to isolate at home and be in close contact with your doctor if you have any symptoms. Having someone to help you recover is especially important at this time.

It will be important for you to take safety precautions:

Before your surgery:

Ensure you have enough medicines and home supplies (such as food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies) for at least 2 weeks.
Gather the items you’ll need to take to the hospital.

After your surgery:

Stay at home except for doctor appointments. To help you stay home, many programs are offering follow-up visits by telehealth. Have your home caregiver get any medicines or supplies you need.
Limit visitors and stay away from anyone who is sick.
Use grocery store delivery or curbside pickup services.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For a helpful checklist you can download and print, see Being ready for a health visit during COVID-19.

Are living donors screened for COVID-19?

Living donors who have been exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 are generally being asked to postpone donation for 14-28 days. Also, living donors are being asked not to travel to high-risk areas for at least 14 days before donation. They will be tested for COVID-19 several times before donating a kidney to make sure they do not have the virus. Donors are screened 48 hours before donation, and only people who test negative for COVID-19 can donate kidneys.

How are living donors screened for COVID-19?

Prospective donors will have a swab sample taken from their nose or mouth to be tested for COVID-19 on a day as close to the donation day as possible. All prospective donors will also be asked if they have:

Lived in a place where people have spread COVID-19 within the last 21 days
Travelled to or from a CDC “high-risk” area: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
Had direct contact (being within less than 6 feet) with someone who had, or was suspected to have, COVID-19 within the last 21 days
A confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within the last 28 days

Doctors will also check if they have had any physical symptoms in the past 21 days, such as:

Helpful resources for patients & caregivers

Trusted COVID-19 resources

Your own healthcare team

Talk to your own healthcare team first when making decisions about your health. Don’t forget to use telehealth when possible.

COVID-19 Transplant Listening and Resource Center

The Kidney/Transplant Patient Listening and Resource Center Center will answer your questions, help direct you to additional resources, listen to your experience, and help improve what is available for you and other patients during this time. Call toll-free: 1-800-830-0484.

Explore Transplant COVID-19 Patient Information Page

Comprehensive resource for dialysis and transplant patients to learn about what to do in the time of COVID-19. Includes a list of FAQs, patient checklist, and additional resources, updated regularly. Visit exploretransplant.org/preparing-for-covid-19-patients.

National Kidney Foundation (NKF)

List of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 that are updated regularly. Visit kidney.org/covid-19.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

Up-to-date information on all COVID-19 health topics in both English and Spanish. Also has a
symptom checker tool. Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

American Society of Transplantation (AST) COVID-19 Resource Page

COVID-19 resources for transplant patients. Visit myast.org/covid-19-information.

American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

Information on protection during COVID-19. Visit asn-online.org.

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)

News and resources about COVID-19. Visit unos.org/covid.

To find out if your dialysis center is open

Call your dialysis organization’s toll-free emergency number:

DaVita – 800-400-8331

Fresenius – 800-626-1297

DCI – 866-424-1900

DCI Donor Hotline/Transient Patients – 800-969-4438

DSI – 877-364-3375

ARA – 888-880-6867

RAI – 800-403-2530

US Renal Care – 866-671-8772

Satellite Healthcare – 650-830-7954

All dialysis centers including Independent Centers – dialysisunits.com

Resources for mental wellness and stress management

Guides and articles

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information and tips to help people to be able to identify what they are experiencing and how it affects the body as well as addressing these emotions in a healthy manner. These tips also include information for communities who are at higher risk for serious illness, people coming out of quarantine, and responders.

National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) guide with resources to address commonly experienced situations and answer frequently asked questions. Information ranges from how you can manage stress or anxiety because of COVID-19 to accessing healthcare or assistance programs that can provide financial support.

The National Network of Depression Centers complete resource page with resources for what to do if you are experiencing a personal crisis, need general mental health resources, or resources for specific conditions including depression and bipolar disorder, PTSD, or substance abuse.

Help lines

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 800-985-5990.
Text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Crisis Text Line
Text 741741 to communicate with a trained, supervised crisis counselor.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 800-273-8255.
Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat to chat with a counselor.

Helpful Apps

Talkspace connects users to licensed therapists who can help with anxiety and depression management. Communication can include text, video or audio messaging, and live sessions.

Headspace offers guided meditation, breathing exercises, sleep exercises, mindfulness workouts, and many more ways to help manage stress and anxiety.

Happify offers activities and games that are evidence-based and can help you overcome negative thoughts and build resilience.

In Hand is a simple way to check in with yourself about how you are feeling and receive suggested activities or inspirational quotes that match your level of stress and mood.

Resources for financial concerns

Help paying for medicine

Financial assistance for medicines is available through pharmaceutical companies and charitable foundations including:

Roche Patient Assitance Program (Cellcept) – 800-772-5790

Novartis Patient Assitance Program (Cyclosporine) – 888-455-6655

Novartis Transplant Reimbursement Program (Neoral) – 877-952-1000

Astellas Patient Assistance Progam (Prograf) – 800-477-6472

Abbott Patient Assistance Program: (Gengraf) – 800-633-9110

Additional help

Ticket to Work Program
Ticket to Work (TTW) is a voluntary work incentive program for Social Security Administration’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries ages 18-64 who want help getting employment and working to become self-sufficient. Call 866-968-7942 (TDD: 866-833-2957). Visit choosework.net.

Meals on Wheels
This organization is composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs. These programs provide well over one million meals to seniors and, in some cases, those with disabilities. Programs vary with respect to eligibility, delivery method, delivery times, and special meal options. Call the toll-free number or search online to find a program near you. Call toll-free 888-998-6325. Visit mowaa.org.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Provides resources for a variety of services for seniors such as senior lunch and home-delivered meals, nutrition programs, care management, and home-based care. Call 800-677-1116. Visit eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
This program serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 years old in low-income families. Call toll-free 888-942-2229. Visit fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-fact-sheet.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation
This program is for any homeowner in America having trouble paying their mortgage. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Absolutely free foreclosure prevention counseling by expert counselors at Housing and Urban Development-approved agencies. Usually, services can begin right away – the counselors themselves answer the phone. Homeowners can get budget help, a written financial plan, and assistance contacting their lender. If they’d like face-to-face counseling or need local resources, homeowners are referred to their local NeighborWorks® organization. Call 888-995-HOPE (4673). Visit 995hope.org.

United Way-Funded Helpline, 2-1-1
2-1-1 is an easy to remember, three-digit dialing code that connects people in need with essential health and human services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls to the helpline are answered by Community Resource Advisors who search a database of listings and provide practical information about how to get food, money and other help from government programs and community agencies in the caller’s area. Call 2-1-1. Visit 211la.org.

Lifeline
Lifeline is a government assistance program that helps income-eligible customers save money on their phone bills and stay connected to vital emergency and community services, friends, and family. Under the Lifeline program, wireline customers receive a discount, which varies depending on their local telephone service provider. Visit lifeline.gov.

Los Angeles Local Transit Services Directory (RIDEINFO)
A facilitated referral service for people in Los Angeles that matches a person’s transportation needs with available accessible transportation like Dial-A-Ride, Lift Van/Shuttle, and Taxi services. The agencies referenced include those which provide transportation to persons in certain communities, medical patients, or agency clients only; some fares are minimal, others may be costly. Call 800-431-7882 (TDD: 800-431-9731). Visit accessla.org.

Veterans Care Coordination
Coordinates affordable home care for veterans and their surviving spouses. Call toll-free 855-380-4400.

Resources for children, teens, and families

Use these if you are sheltering in place with children and teens.

National Public Radio (NPR) comic for parents to talk to their kids about the coronavirus

Psychology Today’s comic on how to talk to kids and teens about the coronavirus, includes comics, podcasts and other helpful links

The Government of India partnered with physicians to create a comic for COVID-19 awareness

KidsHealth provides information on helping kids understand how to talk to your child, what to do if your child is sick, how to prepare your family, preventing the spread, and social distancing with children

Covibook, a short book about COVID-19 to support and reassure children under the age of 7; available in multiple languages

World Health Organization's (WHO) one-pager on helping children cope with stress during COVID-19 outbreak

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s handouts for parents/caregivers helping their families cope with coronavirus; available in multiple languages

Downloadable resources

Click the images below to view or download these pdf files.

Being ready for a health care visit checklist

Sample doctor’s letter to patient's employer

Sample doctor’s letter to spouse's employer

Door sign to post if you are immunosuppressed

Upcoming patient events

Please check back for upcoming events!

Information from experts

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

NBC News’ chart and video that shows how critical it is for everyone to fight coronavirus spread
The Spinoff’s the three phases of COVID-19 and how we can make it manageable
The Vox’s guide and several article to essential information on COVID-19
Education from X-Plain Patient Education that covers symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention; available in multiple languages
Healthwise’s infographics and frequently asked questions about coronavirus

COVID-19 Myths and Spotting Misinformation

World Health Organization’s (WHO) advice for the public regarding COVID-19 myth
Time Magazine’s article on how to spot misinformation
Medium's article that helps separate the facts from the misinformation about COVID-19
CNN Audio’s series of Coronavirus related podcasts from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Practices to help keep you and others healthy

Social distancing
- Time Magazine’s article on best practices for social distancing
- The Atlantic’s article on the etiquettes of social distancing
- Washington Post’s article on the impact of social distancing on human connections during the COVID-19 outbreak
Wash your hands frequently
- New York Times article on how to effectively wash your hands
- Vox article on how washing your hands with soap annihilates the coronavirus
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
- British Broadcasting Corporation’s article on how to avoid touching your face

What to do if you think you are sick

Medium’s article on how to tell if you have the flu, coronavirus, or something else
ER doctor explains what to do if you start showing coronavirus symptoms on an MSNBC video
Vox’s article on how to self-isolate if you think you have coronavirus, advice from medical professionals, officials and experts
Coronavirus Checker Beta is an online tool that asks you about your symptoms and suggests next medical steps. It is based on best clinical practices, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, illness severity and risk factors like age and pre-existing conditions.

Source: World Health Organization

Transplant and dialysis-specific resources

National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) guide to help kidney patients be prepared for COVID-19. Available in English and Spanish.
American Society of Transplantation’s (AST) frequently asked questions from transplant candidates and recipients
AST’s fact sheet with frequently asked questions for organ transplantation
United Network for Organ Sharing’s (UNOS) latest updates for transplant programs, Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guideline for kidney patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in outpatient dialysis facilities
Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center’s coronavirus disease information page for dialysis patients and YouTube webinar with helpful tips on what kidney patients and their families can do to protect themselves
Medicare’s latest updates on COVID-19, coverage information, and telehealth services
National Kidney Registry’s (NKR) latest updates for COVID-19 test kits for living donors, recipients of living donor organs and potential recipients of deceased donor organs
Kidney Transplant Centers’ list of currently active and non-active living donor transplants programs/centers

National resources

CDC's official COVID-19 website with information about how to protect yourself and your family, high risk groups, information for caregivers and healthcare providers, as well as a situation summary
CDC’s print resources for information on COVID-19, including preparation, prevention, and treatment. Formatted for hand outs and posters
CDC’s video resources for the latest information about COVID-19
World Health Organization's (WHO) advice for the public, including prevention, travel advice and information on the COVID-19 response fund
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guide on exposure risk for U.S. workers, including identifying potential sources of exposure

California-specific resources

Kaiser Family Foundation’s (KFF) COVID-19 Interactive Coronavirus Tracker, updated regularly
KFF’s tending COVID-19 topics page, including updates on global health policy, state level policy, updates from KFF's executives
California Department of Public Health provides information on state ordinances, state COVID-19 case and death numbers, amongst other state response updates
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s daily updates on Los Angeles County cases and deaths, includes Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 background information and resources

UCLA health resources

UCLA Health’s Coronavirus website, with virtual help assistant to assist with appointments, locating doctors, and other COVID-19 resources as it relates to UCLA Health patients, staff and providers
Johnese Spisso’s, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, guest interview on CNBC’s ‘Squawk on the Street’ with Carol Quintanilla and Michael Santoli
UCLA Bruins Safe Online’s COVID-19 updates for university students, staff and faculty
UCLA Campus Human Resources’ Staff and Faculty Counseling resources, including services for crisis management and work life issues
David Geffen School of Medicine’s Behavioral Wellness Center offers mental health services, including crisis management and telehealth appointments
UCLA’s Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center’s page for health advisory and travel updates, Infection Control Line (310-206-6217), and prevention information

Resources for children, teens, and families

National Public Radio’s (NPR) comic for parents to talk to their kids about the coronavirus
Psychology Today’s guide on how to talk to kids and teens about the coronavirus, includes comics, podcasts and other helpful links
Government of India partnered with physicians to create a comic for COVID-19 awareness
KidsHealth provides information on helping kids understand how to talk to your child, what to do if your child is sick, how to prepare your family, preventing the spread, and social distancing with children
Covibook, a short book about COVID-19 to support and reassure children under the age of 7; available in multiple languages
WHO’s one-pager on helping children cope with stress during COVID-19 outbreak
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s handouts for parents/caregivers helping their families cope with coronavirus; available in multiple languages

Resources for mental health and relaxation

UCLA Health offers free guided meditation that you can listen to anytime
CDC’s guidelines for managing stress and anxiety during COVID-19
National Alliance on Mental Illness’ information and resource guide related to COVID-19
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) flyer on how to cope with stress during infectious disease outbreaks; available in 13 languages
LACDMH’s brochure on wellbeing apps
CDC’s guidelines on reducing stigma for persons of Asian descent, people who have traveled, and emergency responders or healthcare professionals
CDC’s guidelines on taking care of your emotional health during an emergency

Explore Transplant and Health Literacy Media were recently awarded the ClearMark Award for COVID-19 communications. The ClearMark Awards, sponsored by the Center for Plain Language, recognize plain language communications created by North American organizations.