How do dialysis patients avoid infection? You must know these 5 protective measures!

Dialysis patients are more vulnerable to infection than ordinary people due to their low immunity and various risk factors that may exist during the dialysis process. Infection not only affects the effect of dialysis, but may also cause a series of serious complications and even endanger life. Therefore, it is crucial for dialysis patients to master effective infection protection measures. The following is a detailed introduction to 5 key protection points.

1. Strictly follow the hygienic regulations of the dialysis center

1. Cleaning and disinfection of the dialysis environment: The dialysis center is a place where dialysis patients receive treatment in a centralized manner. It is very important to keep the environment clean and sanitary. The dialysis center should regularly clean and disinfect the dialysis area, including the floor, dialysis machines, tables and chairs, bed units, etc. Use disinfectants that meet hygiene standards and perform disinfection operations in accordance with the prescribed concentrations and methods to ensure that bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in the environment are effectively killed. When entering the dialysis center, patients should pay attention to the sanitary conditions of the environment. If any hygiene problems are found, they should be reported to the staff in a timely manner.

2. Proper storage of personal belongings: During the dialysis process, dialysis patients should properly keep their personal belongings, such as clothes, towels, cups, slippers, etc. These items should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to avoid cross contamination. Patients are advised to use special storage bags or cabinets to store personal belongings and not to place them in public areas at will. At the same time, avoid sharing personal belongings with others, such as razors, toothbrushes, etc., to prevent the spread of pathogens.

2. Strengthen hand hygiene

1. Correct way to wash hands: Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infection. Dialysis patients should develop a good habit of washing hands frequently in daily life. Wash hands in time before meals, after defecation, after touching public items, after coughing or sneezing, etc. When washing hands, you should use running water and soap (or hand sanitizer) and follow the "seven-step hand washing method". The specific steps are: palms facing each other, fingers together, rub each other; palms against the back of the hand along the finger gaps rub each other, alternate; palms facing each other, cross the fingers of both hands and rub each other; bend the fingers so that the joints rotate and rub in the palm of the other hand, alternate; hold the left thumb with the right hand and rotate and rub, alternate; put the five fingertips together and put them in the palm of the other hand and rotate and rub, alternate; add wrist washing when necessary. Wash hands for no less than 20 seconds each time to ensure that every part of the hands can be fully cleaned.

2. Use hand sanitizer: If it is not possible to wash hands in time, dialysis patients can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect their hands. Hand sanitizers should be produced by regular manufacturers and meet hygiene standards. When using, take an appropriate amount of hand sanitizer on the palm of your hand and rub it according to the hand washing method to cover every part of your hands until your hands are dry. It should be noted that hand sanitizer cannot replace hand washing. When conditions permit, hand washing should still be given priority.

3. Pay attention to respiratory protection

1. Wearing a mask: Wearing a mask is an important measure to prevent respiratory infections. Dialysis patients should wear masks throughout the visit to dialysis centers, hospitals, shopping malls and other crowded places. Choose medical masks or N95 masks that meet the standards and ensure that the masks are worn correctly and fit the face. Wash your hands before wearing a mask to avoid contaminating the mask. During wearing, do not touch the mask at will. If the mask is contaminated or wet, it should be replaced in time. In the dialysis center, patients should also pay attention to keeping a certain distance from other patients, avoid close face-to-face communication, and reduce the risk of respiratory droplet transmission.

2. Avoid gatherings: Dialysis patients should try to avoid crowded and poorly ventilated places, such as cinemas, KTVs, chess and card rooms, etc. Reduce unnecessary social activities and avoid contact with people with respiratory infections. If you must participate in social activities, choose a well-ventilated place and wear a mask. At the same time, pay attention to maintaining social distance and avoid crowds.

4. Eat a healthy diet to enhance immunity

1. Ensure balanced nutrition: A reasonable diet is essential for improving the immunity of dialysis patients. Dialysis patients should ensure adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Protein is an important component of the body and plays an important role in maintaining immunity and repairing tissues. Dialysis patients should choose high-quality protein, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, dairy products, etc., and consume 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. At the same time, pay attention to controlling the intake of carbohydrates and fats, and avoid consuming too much sugar and oil. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins and minerals and enhance the body's resistance.

2. Vitamin and mineral supplementation: Due to impaired kidney function, dialysis patients may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Therefore, proper vitamin and mineral supplementation is also helpful for improving immunity. For example, vitamin C has an antioxidant effect and can enhance immunity; vitamin D helps calcium absorption and has an impact on bone health and the immune system; minerals such as zinc and selenium are also involved in the body's immune regulation. Dialysis patients can supplement vitamins and minerals appropriately according to their own conditions under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Get vaccinated regularly

1. Flu vaccine: Flu is a common respiratory infectious disease. Dialysis patients have a higher risk of flu infection due to their low immunity. Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu. Dialysis patients should receive flu vaccination every year before the flu season, usually in September to November. Flu vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of flu infection, alleviate flu symptoms, and reduce the occurrence of complications.

2. Pneumonia vaccine: Pneumonia is also one of the common infectious diseases in dialysis patients, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Pneumonia vaccination can prevent pneumonia caused by pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Dialysis patients can be vaccinated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine under the doctor's advice. Generally speaking, after the first vaccination with pneumonia vaccine, there is no need for another vaccination within 5 years.

Dialysis patients should fully understand the dangers of infection, strictly abide by the above five protective measures, and actively prevent infection from the little things in daily life. At the same time, they should have regular physical examinations to promptly detect and treat potential infection problems, ensure the smooth progress of dialysis treatment, and improve the quality of life.