Avoiding Infection while on Chemo

Good question! I live on my own, and have been trying  to be really careful, only really going to hospital for my daily radio, or out for walks. Met friend last weekend, and we sat opposite ends of her lounge, she didn’t have a cold, and yes I now have sore throat and runny nose. At moment temperature OK, so when I called the emergency line this am, they were OK with things and just said keep an eye on things.

Sorry this doesn’t answer your question, would be interested to hear what others say

Hi Sbird

I always worried about infection when I had my chemo too. I did get one during chemo and was neutropenic several times. 

I think you can only do so much to prevent infection- so things like being in different rooms, sleeping apart make sense for a few days. Opening windows to get plenty of fresh air. Lots of hand washing- soap and water and hand gel. Monitoring your temperature so you know what is normal for you and if there is any change to give your cancer 24 hour number a call. Even if you just feel a bit out of sorts, its a good plan to call them as with me I went from feeling a bit iffy to feeling really poorly within an hour. 

If you do pick up an infection its about getting attention as soon as you can- for me I was told to come into hospital and was given lots of tests- chest xray, ECG etc. I also was given intravenous antibiotics and fluids. 

During chemo when my bloods were low and I was neutropenic I tended to avoid going out if possible and if I did, it was outside and meeting 1 or 2 people at a time. I also wore a mask. A bit like covid times really. 

It wouldn't hurt to give your hospital line a call for some reassurance. It will be something that they are likely to often be asked. They will also be able to access your notes and see what your bloods are currently doing. The neutrophil level is the one that can show when you are more at risk if you did catch his cold. They would be able to explain what to look out for, if you did pick it up- eg; high temp and feeling like its going on your chest. Main thing is at the first sign of infection- get on the phone to them. For me they were able to directly admit me to a ward. Also remember to have your sepsis card with you so they can start your antibiotics, before waiting for any test results.

I hope your husband feels better soon and that you manage to avoid catching it. 

Jane

Thanks Jane

I've just taken my temp and it's 36.9°, I'll keep an eye on it.  I feel OK at the moment and I've just taken my last steroids this morning so hopefully that will help. 

H

Hi Jane

what is a sepsis card, where do you get this?

thanks

Mine was a small card- credit card sized- on one side it had a 24 hour number for the hospital and on the other side it said something like- on chemotherapy, risk of neutropenic sepsis and then gave the name of an antibiotic to be given IV. The consultant who did my chemo consents appointment gave it to me. You could ask your CNS?

Thanks Jane… I was given a card with the 24 hour line, and what to look out for re sepsis, but nothing else.  

Hi Jane, just had a thought. Do you know if taking zinc for immunity be ok with chemo? 

Thanks

H

Best to check with your CNS. I was told not to take any vitamins/supplements without asking first as some can interact with chemo. They would be able to tell you the safest way of taking it.