Infections

Chemotherapy can increase your risk of infection. Anti-cancer drugs affect the bone marrow and decrease its ability to produce white blood cells—the very cells that fight most infections.

• Medications: If your white blood cell counts drop, your doctor will be able to prescribe medications such as Neupogen (chemical name: filgrastim), which works to increase your white blood cell count and reduce the risk of infection. These medications are given by injection; your doctor or nurse may teach you how to give yourself the injections. If your cell count drops too low, you and your doctor may have to consider reducing your chemo dosage for a while.
  
  
  
  
• Lifestyle:
  1. Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap often during the day—especially before you eat and before and after you go to the bathroom.
  2. Stay away from people who have contagious diseases such as colds, measles, chickenpox.
  3. Stay away from children who have recently had vaccinations.
  4. Don't tear or cut your cuticles.
  5. Use lotion or oil on your skin if it becomes too dry or cracked.
  6. If you enjoy gardening, wear protective gloves.
  7. Always wear gloves if you are cleaning up after animals or small children, and always wear shoes to protect your feet.
  8. Use sanitary napkins rather than tampons to reduce the risk of infection, and use a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant for the same reasons.
  9. Sexual intercourse should always be gentle and well lubricated, to avoid small breaks in the vagina.

If you think you have a fever, check with your doctor right away. Don't take any medications like aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce your fever unless you clear it with your doctor or nurse.