Protecting yourself from infection after losing your spleen in a crash

Lifelong infection precautions from a trauma surgeon and an infectious disease specialist

For survivors and families3 min read

Belly and organ injuriesSpleen injuriesInfectionVaccinesWarning signs

Sometimes an injured spleen has to be removed to stop bleeding. You can live without one. Still, the spleen helps guard against certain serious infections. That higher infection risk stays with you even once the surgical wound has healed. A trauma surgeon handles your recovery right after surgery. An infectious disease specialist or primary care provider helps set up a lasting plan to prevent infection. [1, 2]

Keep a record of your vaccines

Ask which vaccines you got in the hospital and which ones you still need. In the United States, people with no working spleen may need several vaccines. These guard against pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The exact vaccines, timing and boosters depend on the doses you’ve had before and on current guidance. Ask for a schedule with dates now so you don’t have to piece it together later. File copies along with your other medical records. [2, 3]

Plan for a fever before one hits

Ask your doctor exactly which temperature or symptoms mean you should call right away or go to the emergency room. Make sure every urgent care or ER team knows you have no spleen. Ask if you should keep a prescribed antibiotic on hand. It might be for the first sign of illness or for another situation. Find out how taking it fits with getting checked urgently. [1, 2]

Don’t take leftover antibiotics. Don’t put off care because you took a dose. [1, 2]

Let others know about your risk

Tell your dentist and anyone else who treats you that you don’t have a spleen. Think about carrying a medical ID card or wearing a medical ID bracelet. Ask for advice right away after an animal bite. Do the same before you travel to areas with particular infection risks. Keep up everyday habits that prevent illness, like washing your hands and staying current on routine vaccines. [1, 2]

Questions for your next checkup

  1. Which vaccines have I had, and which come next?
  2. What’s my written plan for fevers and antibiotics?
  3. Who will keep my vaccine record up to date?

Book the visit that locks in your plan

Schedule the follow up visit where your vaccine schedule and fever plan will be confirmed. Write “no spleen” on your medicine list or emergency information card. [1, 2, 3]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1MedlinePlus spleen removal discharge
  2. 2NHS spleen problems and removal
  3. 3CDC adult vaccines for asplenia

This article offers broad guidance from the fields of trauma surgery and infectious disease. Vaccine and antibiotic plans vary with age, health history and local guidance. A fever needs a prompt medical exam.

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