Key points
- People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at any stage are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
- Getting a flu vaccine can help keep you healthy and prevent more serious illness from flu.
- If you have CKD and get flu symptoms, call your doctor right away.
- CDC recommends prompt flu antiviral treatment for people with CKD who have flu infection or suspected flu infection.
Background
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, which can result in hospitalization and even death. This is because CKD weakens immune response, which can make the immune system less able to fight infections. People with CKD at any stage, people who have had a kidney transplant, and people who are undergoing dialysis treatment are all at increased risk of severe illness from flu.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults are estimated to have CKD, a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems. Diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors for CKD.
For more information: If You Have Kidney Disease, You Need to Get a Flu Shot This Fall
Vaccination is the best protection against flu
- Flu vaccination is especially important for people with CKD because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
- Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of having a serious flu outcome like a stay in the hospital or even being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
- Among people with CKD, flu vaccination has been associated with reduced hospitalizations.
Flu vaccines for people with CKD
- Injectable influenza vaccines are recommended for use in people with CKD and other health conditions. Flu vaccinations have a long, established safety record and studies support the safety of flu vaccines in people with CKD.
- The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray vaccine, is not recommended for people with CKD because the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine in people with CKD has not been established.
- Your doctor or other health care provider can answer any questions you might have about flu vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccination is also important
- Having flu increases your risk of getting pneumococcal disease.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death.
- People who have CKD should also be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia and other serious infections.
- You can get the pneumococcal vaccine your provider recommends when you get a flu vaccine.
- Talk to your health care provider to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you.
Talk with your health care provider about other vaccines, including the hepatitis B vaccine, you may need if you have CKD.
Other preventive actions for people with CKD
Like everyone else, in addition to getting a flu vaccine, people with CKD should take everyday preventive actions, including avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs, and washing hands often. This also can include taking steps for cleaner air and hygiene practices like cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Specific health actions for people with CKD
- Maintain a two-week supply of your regular medications during flu season.
- Do not stop taking your regular medications without first consulting your doctor, especially in the event that you become sick with flu or another respiratory infection.
- If you have CKD and get flu symptoms, call your doctor right away.
- CDC recommends prompt flu treatment for people with CKD who have flu infection or suspected flu infection.
