School and Chemo!

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After some advise please. At present I have a cold and and due my third cycle of chemo next week. I haven’t been in school for the last 2 days because of feeling rotten. I was hoping to go back tomorrow but have been told we have 2 cases of chicken pox in school now too… should I be avoiding school at the moment? 

  • Hi Sarjh31

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.

    My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear you’ve got a cold and haven’t been in school for the past 2 days, as you’ve been feeling rotten.

    We would suggest if you have any new or worsening symptoms and feel unwell, shivery or feverish to check your temperature.  Any spike in temperature above 37.5 ⁰C and particularly above 38⁰C should be to be reported to your oncology team at once for advice and support.

    You should have been given a direct contact number that is available 24 hours a day to contact should this happen. If you are unable to get anyone directly then you should contact 111 or 999 at once. It should be also reported to your hospital team.

    Unfortunately, chemotherapy can lower your immune system and increase your risk of infections. It’s important during this vulnerable time to protect yourself from getting further infections as this could delay your cancer treatment next week.

    Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease, and the same virus can also cause shingles. It can be easily caught through close contact with others and can make you unwell if caught whilst on cancer treatment.

    Although it would be a good idea to avoid anyone with the infection, it may be worth speaking to your oncology team or chemotherapy nurse. They are both in an ideal position to advise you regarding your risk and if it’s suitable to go back to school.    

    I hope you find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch

    You can always give us a call. You can talk to one of our nurses on the support line. It’s a free phone number on 0808 808 0000 and we are here 7 days a week, 8am-8pm or email us. 

    Ref: PW/SB

    Paula-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist