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Avoiding infections/Colds

JustMimi
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Hi

TC chemo- paused as had reaction last session Monday and feeling ok and on Filgrastim currently 

Im trying to be wary of not making myself ill and avoiding crowded busy places etc as suggested but at same time trying to have some "normality "

Ive had an event in my diary for tomorrow and really dont want to miss. Its a sit down meeting so not effort or exertion as such, but one of the attendees has just informed me they have a cold 

Ive said I can mask and social distance and they will observe excellent hygiene 

But really am I putting myself into "danger"

Its all such a balancing act.

any advice?

  • Good afternoon JustMimi,

     

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Helen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It’s lovely to read you have an event planned tomorrow, as yes, having some normality in your life is really important. It’s encouraging the person with a cold has said they’ll observe good hygiene practices, you’re thinking about wearing a mask and distancing yourself.

    However, as we haven’t got access to your medical records through this platform, I’m unable to give individual advice on whether you are putting yourself at risk by attending the event.

    I would recommend contacting your cancer team today to check your individual risk of developing an infection.

    You’re more likely to develop an infection if your immune system is lowered. Your cancer team will know how much of an impact your chemotherapy is having on your ability to fight infection.

    They will be able to check this from the white blood cells or neutrophil levels in your bloods. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are very important for fighting infection. When you don't have enough neutrophils in your blood, doctors may say that you are neutropenic. 

    Chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs and some radiotherapy treatments can lower the number of neutrophils in the blood. So, you might get more bacterial or fungal infections after these treatments.

    It’s generally recommended that you take certain precautions when mixing with others by staying away from people with sore throats, colds, flu, diarrhoea, vomiting or infections.

    Also stay away from crowded places where there may be people with infections. You should avoid public transport during rush hour and crowded shopping centres. This does not mean you should not go out but try to avoid the busiest times. You may choose to wear a mask or face covering to protect yourself.

    You can read more information about infection and reducing your risks here.

    If you haven’t been in touch with us before, you may find it helpful to talk things through with us. A two-way conversation can give you the opportunity to ask us questions and we can also help with any other avenues of support you may need.

     

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Helen, 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/HeP/DK

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