On Sunday, June 4, 2023, a special event will take place – the very first aHUS Canada Golf Fundraiser. Join us for an enjoyable day in an effort to raise awareness of aHUS and funds for aHUS Canada, enabling us to continue supporting those with this ultra-rare genetic disease. For more information, registration, and ordering tickets, please visit: Golf Info & Tickets If questions arise,… » Read More

COVID-19 has affected everyone, one way or another these past 3 years. We hope that you have been able to stay healthy and safe. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. There have been many COVID-19 concerns among the aHUS community so, back in March 2020 an aHUS & COVID-19 webinar was held. In case you missed it or would like to see it again here is the link to the webinar:

http://www.ahuscanada.org/ahus-and-covid-19-webinar/

 During 2020 there was much discussion about the development of an effective vaccine. Many vaccines are in development; since December 2020, Health Canada has approved several vaccines. For more info, click HERE for the Health Canada website.

 With the approval of several vaccines, we have had questions arising from our aHUS community such as: whether the vaccine is safe, can the vaccine cause a relapse, etc.

We would like to provide you with some general information that we have received. It is important to remember that this information should NOT be taken as medical advice and each person should consult with their own treating physician about what is right for them.

Is the Covid vaccine safe?

The approved vaccines have gone through a rigorous review by Health Canada and decisions are based only on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe, effective and of good quality. The benefits must also outweigh the risks.

At this time, most physicians are in support of their aHUS patients receiving the vaccine and consider it safe, since the benefits outweigh the risks.

Since there is no long-term data yet, ongoing studies will continue.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

In general, the side effects are within the range of regular vaccines. These are some common symptoms that people have described after receiving the vaccine:

-Sore arm and swelling around the area of injection.

-Headache.

-Body aches; general aching over the body which can last for a few days and feels like mild flu.

-Increased tiredness.

-Raised body temperature or a slight fever.

Can a COVID vaccine cause a relapse of aHUS?

Immunization in general could be a potential trigger for aHUS. However, patients on treatment should be generally protected. Thus, if you are on eculizumab and getting the vaccine, the potential risk for a relapse is very small. If you are not on eculizumab, a COVID vaccine could in theory lead to activation of aHUS and relapse in someone whose disease is inactive.

On the other hand, in theory, that individual could have a similar or worse aHUS relapse by a COVID-19 infection, leading to a more severe COVID illness, even though this has only rarely been reported. It is very important that close monitoring be done after vaccination to check for a flare of active disease.

Is the vaccine safe in kidney patients?

For people with kidney disease, COVID-19 can be very serious. Vaccination against COVID-19 for people with chronic kidney disease, including people receiving dialysis treatment or with kidney transplants is likely to be highly beneficial.

International kidney experts have reviewed the evidence and agree that the vaccines are safe for people with kidney disease, on dialysis and with kidney transplants.

Any small risk associated with the vaccination is likely to be significantly outweighed by the potential benefits against COVID-19.

Advice to individuals may vary because people with kidney disease often have other conditions too, so what is right for one person, may not be right for someone else. Your kidney doctors will advise you on what is best for you, so speak to them for more advice.

Additional general information on COVID-19 and the vaccines can be found at these websites:

Government of Canada website COVID-19 Vaccines… » Read More

Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patient’s lives.… » Read More

Sept 24, 2020 is the 6th annual aHUS awareness day which was created by the aHUS Alliance. For more information about the day visit the Alliance website:… » Read More

Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. The world will join together on 29 February to raise awareness for rare diseases like atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS). Click here to learn more about Rare Disease Day…. » Read More

September 24, 2019 will mark the 5th annual aHUS Awareness Day, created by the aHUS Alliance to raise awareness for the rare disease atypical HUS. People affected by aHUS face many challenges and greatly benefit from support of friends, family, and their community which led to the… » Read More

The annual aHUS Awareness Day will be coming up on September 24, 2018. The aHUS Alliance is putting together another video slide show and this year’s video will give you a chance to thank / honor your favorite caregiver or advocate.  aHUS is a devastating disease and having support dealing with it is crucial. Maybe it’s your husband, wife, mom, dad, brother, or sister? Or maybe a doctor or nurse, friend or co-worker?  And maybe you have more than one. Someone or something that helps you or your loved one fight aHUS…. » Read More