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When winter comes along, the nights get longer, and the weather turns colder. That cold weather brings icy pavements, thick fog and – for some – the flu. Typical flu symptoms include a sudden fever, aching body, dry cough, sore throat, headache and exhaustion ⁽¹⁾.

But if you have chronic kidney disease, the flu could develop into something far more severe ⁽²⁾. Here’s why you need to act to minimise your risk of catching the virus:

• People with chronic kidney disease find it much harder to fight off the flu than people who are usually fit and healthy ⁽²⁾.
• Anyone who has chronic kidney disease is 19 times more at risk of developing complications with the flu, particularly if they have had a kidney transplant or are waiting for one ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾.
• If someone with chronic kidney disease were to catch the flu, it could lead to them experiencing problems with their other organs ⁽²⁾.
• Many people with chronic kidney disease have other long-term conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. These can become worse with the flu ⁽²⁾.
• If a kidney becomes available while they have the flu, they may not be well enough to have the transplant operation ⁽²⁾.

Top tips

We’ve put together some tips to help those living with chronic kidney disease stay well during the flu season:

• Plan ahead ⁽³⁾: Make sure you have any medication you need for over the winter period. You may find it difficult to get to your surgery or pharmacy if the weather gets bad, and some may be closed during the holiday period.
• Get vaccinated ⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾: Flu vaccination is important because you are at high risk of developing severe complications with the flu. While you could still potentially catch the flu after your vaccination, your illness will usually be much milder. Check with your medical professional which type of flu vaccine is right for you.
• Don’t wait ⁽³⁾: If you start to feel unwell, don’t wait. Seek medical advice before it gets serious.
• Mind your meds ⁽³⁾: If you do get sick, some over-the-counter medicines may not be suitable for you. Check with your doctor.
• Keep warm ⁽³⁾: People with kidney disease often feel the cold, so keep warm and heat your home to at least 18⁰C during the cold weather.
• Look after yourself ⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾: Rest, avoid getting dehydrated and eat regular hot meals. Avoid others who are ill to minimise your risk of catching the flu.

What steps have you taken to keep yourself well this winter?

Sources
(1) https://www.nhs.uk/conditiocontens/flu
(2) http://psnc.org.uk/acontepc/wp-content/…/Chronic-Kidney-Disease-and-Flu-Vaccine-Importance.pdf
(3) https://www.kidneycareuk.org/news-and-campaigns/news/stay-well-winter-2018/
(4) https://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/Flu_season_and_Your_Kidneys