Infection and Chemotherapy
Developing a low white blood cell count and fever (temperature higher than 100o F or 38o C) is called febrile neutropenia. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience a fever during your chemotherapy treatment. A low white blood cell count can place you at risk for infection. During chemotherapy, infection can be life-threatening.
While on chemotherapy, you should take your temperature every day—and record it in a daily log.
An infection can occur in any number of places throughout the body. Specific symptoms can indicate the site of infection and help target treatment.
| Location | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bladder | Painful urination |
| Gastrointestinal tract | Diarrhea, cramping |
| Rectum | Rectal bleeding, pain while defecating |
| Respiratory system | Cough, congestion, yellow or green sputum (fluid coughed up from lungs) |
| Sinus | Sinus pain, congestion, headache |
| Skin | Redness, pain, tenderness or swelling near a cut |
| Systemic (throughout body) |
Flu-like symptoms |
Infections may be serious and can delay treatment. Be proactive and speak with your health care professional about how to help reduce your risk of infection during chemotherapy.
Steps to Help Protect Against Infection
Would you prefer to avoid infection rather than have to deal with a potential infection? Your first line of defense should always be to take steps to avoid infection. Take these simple but effective steps to help protect against infection. This is not a complete list.
- Always wash your hands with soap and plenty of water. Many infections are transmitted through hands and things that you touch, such as doorknobs.
- Avoid people with colds or the flu.
- Avoid large crowds to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with sick people.
- Bathe daily and carefully dry your skin.
- Use an electric razor instead of a blade to avoid cuts.
- Wear gloves when gardening.
- If you have a cut or scrape, clean area right away with warm water and soap and cover it with a clean bandage.
- Prevent cracks in your skin by using lotion.
- Cook your food thoroughly to kill any potential microorganisms that may be on raw food.
