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If you get chemotherapy to treat cancer, you’re more likely to get an infection. Learn how to prevent infections during chemotherapy, and about other ways to stay healthy.
How Can I Avoid Getting an Infection During Chemotherapy?
To lower your risk of infection—
- Wash your hands often, and ask your family, visitors, and health care providers to wash theirs, too.
- Get a flu shot every year, and encourage your family and friends to get one. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumococcal shot and about the best types and timing of vaccines with your treatment.
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine, plus any booster doses you may need to stay up-to-date.
- Take a shower or a bath every day with warm water and mild soap.
- Brush your teeth several times a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Protect yourself from cuts: be very careful when using sharp items, and wear gloves when gardening or cleaning.
- If you get a small cut, wash it thoroughly, put antibiotic cream on it, and cover it with a bandage.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of an infection, especially a fever.
What Else Can I Do to Stay Healthy?
You can lower your risk of getting cancer again by making healthy choices like—
- Staying away from tobacco. If you smoke, try to quit, and stay away from other people’s smoke.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Protecting your skin from overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and avoiding tanning beds.
- Eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Keeping a healthy weight.
- Being physically active.
Staying Mentally and Emotionally Healthy During Cancer Treatment
Being told you have cancer is scary. It’s normal to feel worried, sad, afraid, or even angry. Some treatments for cancer also can affect your feelings, or make it hard for you to concentrate or remember things.
What Can I Do?
- Talk to your doctor or other health care provider. Your health care team may be able to help, or they can refer you to mental health services.
- Reach out for support to family members, friends, those who shareyour faith, a support group, or a psychologist
- Stay as active as you can. Physical activity has been linked to lower risk of depression among cancer survivors.
Information Source: CDC
