Bk Virus Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A BK virus infection is also called a BKV infection. It is a condition that may happen as a primary (first) infection during childhood. The infection is caused by a germ called BK virus. You get it from infected foods or from breathing in fluid droplets from someone who has the infection. It can be passed on by a mother to her baby during birth. It can also be spread through the semen (fluid containing sperm) or from blood transfusions. The virus may resolve on its own, or get in the blood and spread to other body organs. It may stay in your kidneys, brain, and other tissues without causing any harmful effects.
  
  
• BKV in your organs and tissues may become active if your immune system becomes weak. Your immune system may get weak when you take antirejection medicine after a kidney or bone marrow transplant. You may have burning pain, or trouble passing urine when the virus attacks your kidneys. A kidney biopsy, blood, and urine tests are done to learn more about your condition. If you are taking antirejection medicines, they may need to be changed or decreased. Pain medicines, bladder irrigation, hyperhydration, and surgery may be needed. Treating your BKV infection may improve your symptoms and stop further damage to your kidneys.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Drinking liquids:

Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble passing urine.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have very bad pain when passing urine.
  
  
• Your urine has blood in it.
  
  
• Your symptoms get worse and do not go away even after taking medicine.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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