Fighting the Flu | Fresenius Kidney Care

Think of all the people you come in contact with every day. Any of them could be carrying the flu virus, which may infect you. If you are protected from the virus, you may reduce the chances of spreading the contagious illness to your family and friends. Take action to protect the people you care about - get the flu vaccination.

In addition to getting the flu shot, here are some simple tips that can help protect you and your family against the flu.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Before and after contact with others, and
Before handling food

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Try to avoid crowds and close contact with sick people.

Practice good health habits like getting plenty of sleep and eating nutritious foods.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in a bin and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Get vaccinated – don’t let the flu stop you!

There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends. However, we all know how fast the flu can spread among us. To protect yourself and those around you, talk to your doctor about options for getting the flu vaccination.

How much do you know about flu vaccination?

Is it important to get the flu vaccination?

Yes. People with kidney disease are at greater risk from complications that can be related to the flu. Since the flu is very contagious – spreading easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact – doctors recommend you get the vaccination ahead of the flu season.

I took the vaccination last year. Do I need to take it again this year?

Yes. Because the flu viruses change every year, the vaccine is updated to fight the most current virus types.

When should I get the flu vaccination?

Getting vaccinated 2 months before the flu season peak gives you and your family better protection. Talk to your doctor about options that are available for you.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccination?

No. The flu vaccination cannot give you the flu because the vaccine viruses used to make it are inactivated (killed) or attenuated (weakened). However, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms (such as low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches) after getting the vaccination.

Knowledge is power

The more you know about flu prevention, the more likely you will stay healthy. Talk to you doctor or nurse before getting the flu vaccination:

If you are not feeling well
If you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine
If you’ve ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a severe paralyzing illness