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How Can I Avoid Infections While On Anti-Cancer Treatment?

By Medical Expert Team

May 01 , 2017 | 1 min read

A patient while on an anticancer treatment especially chemotherapy is more prone to severe infections. However, most of the infections are preventable and treatable. Currently due to modern treatment, the deaths are very few for prevention simple hygiene and common sense is adequate. For treatment, it is important that patient reports the sign early so that treatment can be started early.

Let us understand that most infections come from within the body especially the mouth, hands or skin, so keeping them clean all the time can prevent the spread of infections.

1. Which cancers are more prone to get infections?

Though all the cancer patients are prone to get infections post chemotherapy, Blood cancers patients like AML or ALL are especially prone.

2. What is the sign of infections?

Dr R. Ranga Rao says if you have:

Fever more than 100.4 degrees
Chills, cough or a sore throat
Ear pain or a headache
Skin Rash
Loose stools
Bloody urine or stool

Check out: How To Stop Loose Motion

3. What steps should I take to lower my chances of infection?

Wash your hands well

Always wash your hands with soap and water when-
Before you cook or eat
After using bathroom
After being in public space
Sanitizer can also be used (Better check with doctor)

Stay extra clean

Brush your teeth after each meal
Take bath daily
If you have a catheter, keep that area dry
Stay away from big crowds, people who are sick
Wash raw fruits very well as far as possible take only thick-skinned fruits
Stay away from flowers
Use proper toilet hygiene and as far as possible, use separate bathroom

4. Why is it important to avoid infections?

Cancer is a low immunity state, especially patients who are on chemotherapy. In such conditions, a minor infection can become life threatening. As they say “prevention is better than cure”.

5. What if I catch the fever? Can I take crocin and wait until tomorrow morning?

There is a concept called as ‘Golden Hour’ in a patient with a heart attack, which says that if a heart patient is brought to the hospital within one hour many lives can be saved. The Same concept applies to a patient of cancer who has low counts post chemotherapy. So, whenever you have the fever, especially after chemotherapy, any fever has to be taken very seriously and the doctor should be informed.

Check out the best Oncologist in Delhi.