Reduce Risk of infection During Chemotherapy

As a cancer patient taking chemotherapy (this is sometimes called chemo), you may be aware how some chemo increases your chance of infection. While this may be true, there are steps you can take to help protect against infection.

At every step of your chemo, it’s important to help protect yourself against infections.  There are other everyday precautions that are also helpful, such as the following:

Always wash your hands with soap and plenty of water to avoid transmission of infection through things that you touch.

Avoid people with colds or the flu.

Avoid large crowds to avoid coming into contact with sick people.

Bathe daily and gently dry your skin.

Use lotion to help prevent cracks in your skin.

Prevent cuts or scrapes, which can provide places for infection to enter your body.

Use an electric razor instead of a blade to prevent cuts.

Handle sharp objects with caution.

Wear protective gloves when appropriate.

If you get a cut or scrape, cover it with a clean bandage until it heals.

Cook food thoroughly to kill infection-causing bacteria that may be in raw food.

Watch for signs of infection

Be sure to report any of the following signs of infection immediately to your doctor:

Fever higher than 100.4°F (38.2°C)

Chills

Cough or sore throat

Loose stools/diarrhea over 24 hours

Changes in urination

Mouth ulcers or sores in the throat or around the rectum

Unusual vaginal discharge or itching

Redness, swelling, or sores on the skin.

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