Key points
- After a lung transplant, your risk of infection is higher because immunosuppressant medicines weaken your immune system.
- Seek medical advice early if you feel unwell.
- You can lower your risk by following your transplant team’s advice, attending appointments, maintaining a good standard of hygiene, and avoiding people who are unwell.
Why am I more at risk of infections after transplant?
Patients are more at risk of getting infections because the immunosuppressant medications knock out their 'fighter cells' which would normally fend off new germs. If you have used drugs that affect your immune system before transplant (for example, steroids), you are even more at risk.
Patients are also more at risk because their cough reflex is impaired after surgery until they get stronger. The new lungs will also have been exposed to the atmosphere as part of the transplant surgery. As a result, lung transplant patients have the highest risk of infections than any other organ group.
If you are older, sicker, undernourished and not as active, infections are more common. In transplant patients, they can happen differently and in some cases, suddenly. It's always important to follow the advice of your lung transplant team and seek medical advice early.
Types of infections
Here are the most common infections:
Infections from the donor
Even though we check to make sure that we can manage infections from the donor lung, it is impossible to be completely sure that the donor and their organ(s) are completely free of infection. Infections that can be transmitted from the donor include bacterial, viral, fungal or other infections. Sometimes we may adjust your planned antibiotics based on information we get after your surgery.
Infection locations
Common places for infection include
- your lungs
- urinary tract
- where the plastic tubes were inserted through your skin during surgery
- the site of your surgical wound
In severe cases, the infection can spread into your bloodstream.
Reducing risk of infection
The transplant team will start you on antibiotics at the time of the surgery to reduce the risk of infection. They will monitor you very closely during the surgery and in ICU so they can manage any infections early. As you recover in hospital after transplant, the team will help you learn how to reduce your risk of infection after you go home. You'll also be monitored regularly at your clinic appointments and you will have regular bronchoscopies to check for infections in your new lung(s). It's important to attend your appointments so we can pick up on any early warning signs.
Some of the most common tips to avoid infection after transplant
- Wear a face mask in public.
- Practice hand hygiene regularly.
- Get your vaccinations when the transplant team says it's safe to do so. Ask members of your household to also stay up to date with their vaccines.
- Avoid being around people who feel unwell.
- Keep your home clean and free of any mould or damp.
- Follow guidelines for food safety.
For more information, see Lifelong care and Lifestyle after transplant.