Learning About Preventing Infection After an Organ Transplant

After an organ transplant, you take anti-rejection medicines. These medicines weaken your immune system so that it doesn't attack your new organ. But a weaker immune system also raises your risk for infection.

Infections are a common reason for a hospital stay after a transplant. Even minor infections can become serious. This is especially true if you have other conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Serious infections can cause long-term health problems and even death.

Infection risk is high for at least a year after an organ transplant.

Some infections happen within a month after a transplant. They may come from germs in the hospital or from visitors and from problems with the surgery. If you have an underlying infection, it may show up during this time. Rarely, donated organs can pass along germs.

Infections are also common 1 to 6 months after surgery. This is when your immune system is weakest. So germs are more harmful during this period than normal.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• A temperature of 100.4°F or higher or chills. These are often the first signs of infection.
• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, headache, or muscle aches).
• A new cough or shortness of breath.
• Cloudy or bad smelling urine or pain when urinating.
• Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or belly pain.
• A new rash.
• Confusion, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness.
• Redness, warmth, pain, or leaking fluid at the incision.

For a mild infection, you will likely get antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medicines. For a more serious infection, your care team may lower your anti-rejection medicines for a short time. This can help your body fight the infection.

Stay up-to-date with routine medical care:

• Have well visits with your primary care doctor.
• Get recommended vaccines and eye exams.
• Get any needed dental work.
• Let your transplant team know of any changes to your health.

Follow instructions from your doctor. The doctor may:

• Give you instructions on how to prevent infection.
• Talk to you about how long to be extra careful about preventing infection.
• Prescribe you medicines to help prevent infection.

In general:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Increase activity slowly. Ask your doctor before starting your usual activities. This includes going back to work or school, driving, exercising, or traveling.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean, running water. Wash your hands before you prepare food, eat, or take care of your incision. Also wash them after using the bathroom, handling trash, or touching pets.
• Keep your incision, mouth, and body clean. Take extra steps to avoid getting scrapes or cuts that can get infected. For example, always wear shoes outside.
• Always look out for signs of infection.

Avoid germs, if possible. Or talk with your care team about ways to lower your infection risk.

• Stay away from large crowds and people who are sick.
• Wear a mask around dust, dirt, and fumes.
• Ask your provider when it’s safe to have sex.
• Don’t get tattoos or piercings.
• Avoid changing diapers, cleaning up after animals, gardening, and farming.
• Drink clean water. Avoid swallowing water from rivers, lakes, ponds, and pools.
• Eat safe foods. Avoid unpasteurized foods and raw or undercooked eggs and meat. Wash all fruits and vegetables. Avoid buffets, potlucks, and salad bars.
• Use bug spray or cover your skin to reduce insect and tick bites.