Worried about catching Covid while on chemo

Hi deebee60,

Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome back to the online community. I’m Lorna one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the support line.

I’m glad to hear that your chemotherapy seems to be going well and you are about to start 9 cycles of weekly Paclitaxel.

 It's only natural to worry about getting Covid while having chemotherapy treatment. As you probably already know, some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy can weaken your immune system and make you less able to fight infections, that means you may be at higher risk of being unwell.

 Covid spreads when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. This releases tiny droplets into the air. These droplets can reach anyone nearby, and they can get the virus.

 You should protect yourself from Covid in the same way as you would against other infections. It’s important for you and your family to be aware of any symptoms that may develop, and take precautions like opening windows and doors to ventilate your rooms, washing your hands and regularly wiping down surface areas.

 If you feel unwell or think you might have Covid it’s important to contact your chemotherapy team as soon as possible for advice and support.

 Vaccines are the best defence we have against Covid and other respiratory
infections like the flu, so it’s important to make sure that all your vaccines are up to date.

It can be helpful to talk to others who share similar experiences on our online community too.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Lorna,

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 send us an email. 

Ref: LB/DK