What is it?
BK virus is a virus that most people get in childhood and symptoms appear like a common cold, once they have it lies dormant ‘asleep’ until a trigger appears to ‘wake up’ the virus.
- A healthy immune system has normally no issues with the BK virus infection however if one has a weak immune system then symptoms may appear.
- If this virus is left untreated it could damage the kidneys further particularly during a kidney transplant and other organ transplants.
Cause
- Spread if you have contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as saliva (spit)
- Spread from mother to infant during birth
- One has a weak immune system
Treatments
- Triggers include an organ transplant particularly kidney transplant
Medication
- Anti- rejection medication used in organ transplants
Symptoms
- Changes in vision (blurred vision)?
- Changes in the color of your urine (urine that is brown or red in color)?
- Pain when you urinate?
- Difficulty urinating?
- Needing to urinate more than is normal for you?
- Flu- like symptoms?
- Short of breath and/or breathing difficulties?
- Dry cough longer than three weeks?
- High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
- Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
- General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: BK Virus Infection in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- Medscape
Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.
- Pharmaceutical Journal
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- Healthline
Medical Information and health advice you can trust
- ChatGPT
Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.
- Medical News Today
Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.
- WebMD
Better Information. Better Health.
- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Fit for Travel
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
