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H1N1, the Flu and the Kidneys

Experts recommend kidney patients get doctor’s okay before getting any flu shot.

You’ve been hearing a lot about the flu lately – especially the H1N1 virus.  It’s important to note there are two types of flu viruses: The seasonal strains which occurs every year – and the H1N1strain.

Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.  The term “pandemic” refers to widespread infection in the population, however, H1N1 is a mild form of flu, for most people.

The H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, through coughing or sneezing near others.  In some cases the virus can be picked up by touching something with the virus on it and then touching the eyes, mouth or nose.

Those currently at higher risk of the H1N1 strain include children under five, pregnant women, people at any age with chronic medical conditions, anyone with a weak immune system, residents in nursing homes and other chronic care facilities and people over 65.

People who have had a kidney transplant and are on immune-suppressant medication may be more prone to the effects of any flu virus. Research shows the flu vaccine is less effective in generating antibody protection in people who have had kidney transplants in the past six months because immunosuppressive drugs weaken the normal immune response to foreign tissue, bacteria and viruses.

To reduce your chance of getting the flu and to help minimize the spread of any virus, the Department of Health and Human Services has provided the following tips.  More information is available at www.flu.gov .

Keeping Healthy: 8 Tips for Individuals

1. Stay home if you are sick with influenza-like illness for example, fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. CDC recommends that sick workers stay home if they are ill with influenza-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This would require employees to stay home for 3 to 5 days in most cases. CDC recommends this time period away from work regardless of whether or not antiviral medications are used.

2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

4. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.

5. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

6. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean. For example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.

7. Try not to use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. If necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant.

8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.