Infection
Your white blood cells help fight infections in your body. Chemotherapy may lower the white blood cell count, which increases your risk of infection.
Signs of Infection
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus formation
- Sputum
- Nasal drainage
- Cough — with or without mucus
- Sore throat
- Sores in mouth/white coating in mouth
- Burning on urination/frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Pain
- Chilling/rigors
- Fever
- If any signs of infection are present, take your temperature every 2-3 hours while awake; call The Regional Cancer Center.
- Call immediately with a temperature of 100.5º or higher.
Infection Prevention
- Avoid people who are ill.
- Keep body clean by bathing daily.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked food.
- Wash produce thoroughly.
- Keep cutting boards, counters, utensils and dishes clean.
- Contact the oncologist before receiving any vaccinations.
- Avoid changing diapers or coming in contact with bodily secretions of infants or children when white blood cells are low.
- Wash hands after handling pets.
- Avoid contact with pet feces if white blood cells are low.
- Avoid cleaning aquariums and bird cages.
- Wear gloves when gardening — avoid spreading manure.
- Wash hands before and after preparing a meal or snack, and before and after eating.
- Wash hands after using the bathroom.
- Wash hands after being in a public place.
- Wash hands after household chores.