iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersInternal Medicinekidney transplant

Can I still get a kidney transplant if I have herpes?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have chronic kidney disease and am on dialysis and scheduled for transplant next month. Today I tested positive for genital herpes. Will this cause me to not be able to receive a transplant? I know you have to take immunosuppressants and I do not know how this will affect my situation.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The immunosuppressive agents taken post-transplant will increase the risk of having an outbreak of genital herpes. So you have to report to your doctor to put you in a prophylactic antiviral therapy.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I realize they have medicines to control outbreaks. But having HSV-2 will not take away my ability to receive the transplant? Studies I have read say that by taking the anti-viral medicines outbreaks are controlled with no repercussions on the new kidney.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, it will not take your ability to receive a new kidney, but the outbreaks tend to be more severe in the early period post-transplant.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 20, 2018
Reviewed AtApril 29, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.