The risk of catching an infection is a very serious one for cancer patients. The body's immune system fights foreign micro-organisms, such as bacteria, and keep us healthy. Cancer and cancer treatments can weaken the immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells the body is able to make.

Of the more common side effects of chemotherapy, infection is the most serious. If your white blood cell count becomes too low, your chemotherapy dose or treatment may need to be reduced or delayed. Changes or delays to your chemotherapy dose or schedule can change the results of your treatment. Serious infections can even be life-threatening and may require you to stay in the hospital.

You should take care not to develop an infection during chemotherapy. Learn how to avoid infection and to identify the symptoms of infection. Ask your healthcare team to provide you with a contact name and phone number in case of fever or infection.

Antibiotic medications may be prescribed to prevent specific infections if your white blood cell counts are expected to remain low for a week or more. If you get an infection while you are receiving cancer treatment, you will almost certainly need an antibiotic. However, antibiotics should be used exactly as your healthcare team prescribes, in order to help prevent the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.

What you can do

• Wash hands often, especially before eating and after using the washroom. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands when water is not available.
• Clean any cut at once with warm water, soap and antiseptic.
• Avoid crowds, and people with infections.
• Cut your nails carefully to avoid cuts.
• Use an electric razor for shaving.
• Use gloves for protection when doing activities that may cut the skin.
• Avoid constipation.
• Wash well or peel uncooked fruits/vegetables.
• Don't eat undercooked meat or poultry.
• Don't clean cat litter boxes or bird cages. Avoid all contact with animal urine and stool.

Symptoms of infection

If you develop any of the following symptoms, it may indicate that you have an infection.

• Fever over 38° C (100° F)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Shaking chills
• Severe night sweats
• Nausea and vomiting, especially with fever
• Diarrhea
• Urinary changes - pain or burning upon urination
• Sore throat, cough, shortness of breath chest pain
• Tenderness, redness, swelling, pain or discharge at the site of a catheter
• Headache or neck stiffness

If you have symptoms of fever or infection, call your healthcare team right away, even if it is in the middle of the night. If you have a fever, do not take any medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Chemotherapy can affect your memory. Find out what you can do about "chemo brain."