Kids with kidney disease and cold and flu season

August 14, 2013 Marie Valdez, RN

With the summer winding down, the dreaded cold and flu season is just around the corner.  Parents with children who have a history of kidney disease need to keep in mind a few things during this season of stuffy noses and coughs.

  • Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, naproxen, and Aleve.
    • NSAIDs are known to decrease blood flow to the kidneys and can cause more damage.
  • Avoid Pseudoephedrine or any medications that may contain similar ingredients.
    • Pseudoephedrine is usually an ingredient for decongestants like Sudafed and is known to increase blood pressure.
  • Say YES to the flu shot early.
    • Children with kidney disease who are taking medicine to suppress the immune system (i.e. prednisone and mycophenolate) should avoid the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine.
    • It can take up to two weeks to develop protection. 
  • If you’re unsure about giving cold/flu medications please call your doctor.
    • Call your health care provider and ask before giving herbal remedies.

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