Fighting infections/viruses after transplant?

[kristina]

Some time ago I heard of a transplant-patient
who sadly died because she contracted a virus/infection
and because of the medication she was on
her body could not fight the virus/infection.
Have medications improved now?
Thank you.

[Wenchie58]

Kristina..
   A part of the "transplant experience" is the suppression of the immune system.  Your immune system would fight off the new kidney if it weren't controlled by medication.  I don't live in a bubble.  I have a very public job.  I wash my hands often. Keep my work area clean, using antiseptic wipes and sprays.  I carry gel in my bag, truck, desk drawer...scattered around my house.  Family members don't visit if they are sick and I call ahead before visiting them to make sure they aren't sick.
  I don't really think I live life that much different.  My eyes are just more open to ill people or germy situations.  Since transplant I have had a stomach virus and a cold.  Although they were a bit more severe after tx, it wasn't life threatening.  I did have to go to the ER to get IV fluids during the stomach virus to ward off dehydration.

[kristina]

Thanks very much for this information.
I can appreciate your handling it the best you can
in a very sensible and well structured way.
And your answer tells me that there is no
simple solution to infections,
one has to be on guard and use one's common sense
and act quickly when trouble occurs.
Thanks for clearing this up and bringing me
up to date on the latest knowledge on this matter.
Kind regards, Kristina.