A recent study found that people who have had COVID-19 may experience a faster decline in kidney function compared with those who had pneumonia. Researchers analyzed data from over 134,000 adults who had COVID-19 and compared their kidney function over time to a group of nearly 36,000 people who had pneumonia​.

The study found that people who had COVID-19 saw an average annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 3.4 percent, compared to 2.3 percent in those who had pneumonia. The drop was even more significant among people who were hospitalized with COVID-19, with an eGFR decline of 5.4 percent per year​. These findings suggest that COVID-19 may have a lasting impact on kidney health, particularly for those who experienced severe illness.

Protecting Yourself Against COVID-19

For people already living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a faster decline in kidney function could lead to worsening health outcomes. Researchers and doctors emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring for individuals who have had COVID-19, especially if they were hospitalized​.

Health organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend taking precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Strategies include:

• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Wearing masks in crowded settings​​

If you have a kidney disease or have had COVID-19, talking with your doctor about kidney function monitoring and other preventive measures against COVID-19 may help you protect your health.

Learn more about how doctors measure kidney function.

Find Your Team

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, the social network for people living with rare kidney diseases and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

Have you or a loved one noticed changes in kidney function after having COVID-19? What steps have you taken to protect your kidney health? Share your experiences in the comments below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.