Minimising infection risk

If you are receiving chemotherapy, you may develop neutropenia, a condition in which your body has a reduced number of a specific type of white blood cells called neutrophils, which are needed to prevent and fight infections.^1,2 If you develop neutropenia you will be more susceptible to infections; therefore, while you are receiving chemotherapy you will need to take precautions to reduce the risk of infections.^1,3

Precautions to minimise infection risk

Try to make the following precautions part of your daily routine:^3,4

Personal hygiene and preventive healthcare

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before meals, after shaking hands, or after using the WC⁴
Use a soft toothbrush and an antiseptic mouthwash³
Bathe every day and keep your skin moisturised with an unscented lotion³
Avoid sharing towels with other people⁴
Shave with an electric shaver; avoid razors⁴
Get flu shots^3,5
Avoid contact with people who may have recently received live vaccines⁵
Female patients should avoid using tampons⁴

Food preparation

Avoid sharing food, drink, utensils, or other personal items with other people³
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly³
Wash fruit and vegetables carefully and thoroughly⁵
Keep all household surfaces clean³

Interaction with people, animals, and the environment

Avoid crowded spaces and contact with people who are ill⁵
Wear protective gloves if cleaning up pet waste (both urine and faeces)⁵
Wash your hands thoroughly after cuddling or stroking pets^3,5
Wear gloves when gardening³

Signs and symptoms of infections

Neutropenia often masks the signs and symptoms of infection.⁶ A fever, i.e. a temperature above 38°C, is often the first sign of infection, but you should also be on the lookout for any of the symptoms listed below:³

A temperature of 38°C or higher for longer than 60 minutes, or a one-time temperature of 38.4°C or higher; this indicates a condition called febrile neutropenia, which is very serious^2,3
Chills and sweats³
Changes in an existing cough, or a new cough³
Sore throat, or development of a new mouth sore³
Shortness of breath³
Nasal congestion³
Stiff neck³
Burning or pain during urination, or increased frequency of urination³
Unusual vaginal discharge or vaginal irritation³
Irritation, tenderness, or swelling in any area, including surgical wounds and ports³
Diarrhoea and/or vomiting³
Any new pain, especially in the abdominal and/or rectal areas³
Changes in your skin, urine, or mental state³

If you have a temperature above 38°C or any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor immediately; any infection you get when you have neutropenia has the potential to be life-threatening.⁶

Glossary