Is it a death sentence if you catch one? What can the doctors do? Are there medications etc that can help you survive a serious virus like flu or covid etc?
Is it a death sentence if you catch one? What can the doctors do? Are there medications etc that can help you survive a serious virus like flu or covid etc?
Hello IfOnly,
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our Online Community.
I’m Elise, one of the cancer information nurses.
It’s understandable to be concerned about the risks of infection during chemotherapy treatment and to answer your first question directly , no it is not a “death sentence” if symptoms are assessed and treated appropriately.
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of infection and to contact the 24-hour chemotherapy helpline number that all patients are provided with if you are concerned about the possibility of an infection.
Delaying treatment for an infection can be dangerous as this can lead to sepsis, which can be life threatening.
It’s essential to follow the advice that your chemotherapy team provides regarding infection and to be aware of when the risk of infection is greatest, which is often referred to as the nadir.
We would expect you to be given written information about what to look out for and what to do if you suspect an infection.
COVID and flu vaccinations are recommended for people affected by cancer, you can discuss this with your chemotherapy nurses.
Antibiotics and anti-viral treatments are available to chemotherapy patients if a bacterial or viral infection is identified.
Unfortunately, for some chemotherapy patients, a hospital admission is required if an infection happens if for example intravenous therapy is needed.
Specific treatment for COVID and flu are available in certain circumstances which does include certain types of cancer and conditions that lower immunity.
Again, your chemotherapy nurses and/or oncologist will be happy to discuss what you should do if you have COVID or flu during treatment.
If you think it would be helpful, you’re welcome to call the cancer information nurses on the Macmillan Support Line to talk about infection risk in a bit more detail.
I hope this is helpful.
Sending best wishes,
Elise
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref/ DW
