HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Infection Risk Due To Spleen Removal Be Controlled?

Hi I am a phlebotomist working at my local hospital,my boss is concerned that I may be at increased risk to infection as I had my spleen removed ( about 20 years ago) I am on twice daily penecillin.My boss has said that she will support me & find me alternative work in the same department if needed & that there is no threat to my job,she is just being carefull & looking out for me.I have suffered with lots of infections over the years since having my spleen removed & have only been taking penicillin for the last 6 months as I changed GP's & he suggested that I start taking them.Thanking you in advance for your advice.Regards Teri
Tue, 26 Jul 2016
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Brief Answer:
You should be revaccinated at the appropriate time interval for each vaccine.
you to take the antibiotic at the first sign of infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM.
As you are a splenectomised patient, you should have been vaccinated 14 days before or after the splenectomy depending on the circumstances of the operation, either it was planned or unexpected. In way to decrease the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infections, you should be revaccinated at the appropriate time interval for each vaccine.
You should repeat the vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumovax 23) every 6 years, and the vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis (ƒMenactra or Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135) every 3-5 years. Mean while the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type B (HibTITER) has no need to be repeated.
Taking an antibiotic every daily basis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, but this is more recommended in children. As the adults, have a low risk of sepsis (severe and potentially life-threatening condition in which infection-causing bacteria spread throughout the bloodstream and/or tissues and impair normal body functions), the value of daily antibiotic treatment for adults is debated.
I would suggest you to take the antibiotic at the first sign of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, and to see an infections diseases doctor immediately after that.
Regarding the work, if you can find an alternative job with less contact with the patients, it would be better for your health.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Juarda
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Spleen


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Infection Risk Due To Spleen Removal Be Controlled?

Brief Answer: You should be revaccinated at the appropriate time interval for each vaccine. you to take the antibiotic at the first sign of infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM. As you are a splenectomised patient, you should have been vaccinated 14 days before or after the splenectomy depending on the circumstances of the operation, either it was planned or unexpected. In way to decrease the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infections, you should be revaccinated at the appropriate time interval for each vaccine. You should repeat the vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumovax 23) every 6 years, and the vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis (ƒMenactra or Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135) every 3-5 years. Mean while the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type B (HibTITER) has no need to be repeated. Taking an antibiotic every daily basis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, but this is more recommended in children. As the adults, have a low risk of sepsis (severe and potentially life-threatening condition in which infection-causing bacteria spread throughout the bloodstream and/or tissues and impair normal body functions), the value of daily antibiotic treatment for adults is debated. I would suggest you to take the antibiotic at the first sign of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, and to see an infections diseases doctor immediately after that. Regarding the work, if you can find an alternative job with less contact with the patients, it would be better for your health. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Kind Regards, Dr. Juarda