SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Prevention of Infection

Transplant recipients are at a higher risk of developing an infection, especially within the first three (3) months after transplant when the doses of anti-rejection medications are at their highest. Among the side effects of these medications is a weakening of your body's ability to fight infections.

You are advised to follow the precautions listed below to help prevent infections:

• Avoid contact with people who have colds
• Wash your hands frequently
• Practice good oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth frequently with a good strong mouthwash. Brush and floss your teeth daily.

Notify the Transplant Nurse Practitioner of any of the following:

• You have been exposed to chicken pox, measles, T.B., or other infections
• You develop a heavy white coating on your tongue
• You develop a sudden sore throat or sores in the mouth
• You develop any discharge, itching or burning from your vagina, penis, scrotum, or rectum
• You develop a skin rash
• You develop pain along your back

Signs and Symptoms of Infection Include:

• Fever of over 100 degrees F.
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Cough which brings up mucus
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• “Burning” sensation on urination