Problems with Dialysis
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In general, dialysis patients are less able to resist infection. It may now be necessary to avoid exposure to others who are ill, to avoid crowds during flu epidemics and cold season, and to boost your immune system by getting a flu shot or pneumonia vaccine. A lowered immune system also makes easier the transmission of more serious infections such as, hepatisis.
To learn more about dialysis and infectious disease:
What You Should Know About Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Hemodialysis Patients and Their Families
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=80
Infections related to the vascular access site are a major cause of hospitalization among dialysis patients. Choose your vascular access type wisely! Of the three types of vascular access (AV fistula, AV graft, and venous catheter) infections are less common with an AV fistula. When preparing for dialysis, be sure to wash your hands and access site thoroughly and to prepare the access site with appropriate anticeptics. It is important to catch and treat infections early. Watch for any signs of infection (redness, tendeness, swelling or pain) and report them to your health care team or doctor.
To learn more about vascular access:
This information is also available in Spanish:
Métodos de tratamiento para la insuficiencia renal: Hemodiálisis
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/spanish/pubs/hemodialysis/index.htm
Last updated on: February 22, 2008