[The views expressed here are not necessarily those of ‘The Hope’ or its sponsor Kibow BiotechⓇ, nor should it be viewed as Medical Advice – Please check with your Healthcare Provider]
Every year you see the commercials and flyers reminding you to get your flu shot. If they serve their purpose and you get your flu shot that’s great! If you ignore their reminder, you should reconsider, especially if you or someone you know has CKD.
As a CKD patient, you should receive your flu shot every year. It is important for you to have a flu shot every year because as a CKD patient your immune system is less active/responsive which affects your body’s recovery time and method. Not getting a flu shot can place you at risk of catching the flu. This is a huge risk as you don’t want anything that can place stress on your body as your kidneys are already under enough. Talk to your health care provider and consider protecting yourself this flu season so you don’t chance disrupting your normal kidney care methods.
If your healthcare provider can’t offer you a flu shot at an affordable price many pharmacies administer it for free or at a low cost.
Flu Symptoms1
- fever or chills…not everyone with flu will have a fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue
- vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
If you already have the flu you should…
- Contact your nephrologist and let them know
- Ask your doctor if you should consider fluid treatments
- Stay home
- Don’t overdo it on the Vitamin C. High doses of Vitamin C can cause kidney damage
- Rest and keep warm
- consume plenty of liquids
- Avoid cough and cold medications some decongestants can increase blood pressure.
Sponsored by: Kibow BiotechⓇ
Source:
1. CDC.org. (2019, September 18). Flu Symptoms & Complications. Retrieved December 2, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm.