Precautions for Patients without a Spleen

Patients without a spleen can live long, healthy lives, but they need to take extra precautions to prevent illness. The spleen is part of the body's lymphatic symptom and functions to filter bacteria and parasites from the blood. While the liver takes over some of this function if the spleen is removed, a person who has had a splenectomy---removal of the spleen---is at higher risk for infection.

Vaccinations

• The Centers for Disease Control and Pevention recommends that post-splenectomy patients receive annual vaccination against the flu and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine every five years. In addition, patients without a spleen should receive meningococcal and haemophilus influenza B (HIB) vaccines. Vaccinations do not protect 100 percent against disease, but will lessen the chance of infection.

Antibiotics

• Some doctors will prescribe a low dose of antibiotics daily for patients who do not have a functioning spleen, while others will instruct their patients to take antibiotics only at the first sign of illness or when traveling. If you develop a fever, you should see your physician right away, even if you are already taking antibiotics.

Travel

• Patients who do not have a spleen must take extra precautions to avoid infection when traveling. If you will be traveling to an area where malaria is present, you should take anti-malarial medication, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent to ward off bites from malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

  People without spleens are susceptible to infections from parasites, including Babesia, a protozoa found in ticks in some European countries and in the Northeastern United States. If you are bitten by a tick, you should contact your doctor.

Lifestyle

• Lifestyle habits designed to prevent infection can go a long way toward keeping you healthy if you've lost your spleen. Wash your hands frequently, get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet. Avoid crowds during times of influenza outbreaks. Carry a medical-alert card in your wallet to alert emergency medical personal that you have no spleen, should you be involved in an accident and require medical care.