Infection after Renal Transplant

Renal transplantation is a complicated technique that needs much care before, through and after the procedure. After the transplantation, the immunosuppressant medications taken to prevent rejection interfere with the body’s natural immunity make you more susceptible to infections. Many antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal medications are prescribed to prevent contraction of harmful infections.

The most common symptoms of infection are –

• Fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Flushing and cough
• Swelling, pain, or redness around the area of transplant
• Cloudy urine and burning sensation
• Increased fatigue
• New drainage from the incisions

You must contact your transplant team immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you catch cold or flu, you can take over-the-counter preparations. Avoid medications that contain aspirin or high quantities of alcohol. If there is cough, you can take cough syrups, but if the cough is productive along withfever, call your physician. Do take the advice of your transplant team before taking any sort of medication for any issue.

Prevention of infections-

• Wash your hands using soap and water before eating and after any work.
• Keep your hands away from your face and mouth.
• Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose these tissues immediately and also wash your hands.
• Stay away from people who have cold or flu.
• Shower daily and wear fresh clothes. Practice good personal hygiene.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods like raw eggs, raw fish and raw meats. Cook your vegetables and greens before you eat them. Eat only fresh food.
• If you have pets, ask someone else to take care of them. Avoid cleaning them or washing them. Wash your hands after handling the pets.
• If you want to swim, do it only in chlorinated pools.
• Wear gloves if you want to do gardening. Wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.

Preventing infection is the best way of staying safe after a renal transplantation.