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.

A Flu Vaccine 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 vaccines are reviewed each year and updated as needed to protect against the three viruses that research indicates are mostly likely to circulate. Also, protection from vaccination decreases over time, so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against flu. This season’s flu vaccines have been updated from last season’s vaccines. More information on why flu vaccines are updated annually is available at Vaccine Virus Selection.

Immunity from flu vaccination sets in after about two weeks after getting vaccinated. In addition to reducing risk of flu, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick:

• 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. More information is available at What are the benefits of flu vaccination?.

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October.

Flu Vaccines for People with CKD

• Injectable influenza vaccines (flu shots) are recommended for use in people with CKD and other health conditions. The flu shot has a long, established safety record 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.

Get pneumococcal vaccines.

• 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 to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
• You can get either Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (but not both) when you get the flu vaccine.
• Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you.

Talk with your doctor 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 shot, 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. More information is available about core and additional prevention strategies.

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.

Symptoms and Treatment

If you get flu symptoms, call your doctor right away. There are prescription medications called flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness and that may prevent serious flu complications. CDC recommends prompt flu treatment for people who have flu infection or suspected flu infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with CKD.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children. People may be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Treatment

• Treatment should begin as soon as possible because antiviral drug treatment works best when started early (within 48 hours after symptoms start).
• Antiviral drugs require a prescription from a doctor. These medicines fight against flu by keeping flu viruses from making more viruses in your body.
• Antiviral drugs can make your flu illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from flu illness.
• There are four FDA-approved flu antiviral drugs recommended by CDC this season that can be used to treat flu.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Anyone experiencing any of the following emergency warning signs of flu sickness, including people with CKD, should seek medical attention right away.