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.
