Take other steps to help protect against infection
As a cancer patient taking chemotherapy (this is sometimes called chemo), you may be aware how some chemo increases your chance of infection. While this may be true, there are steps you can take to help protect against infection.
At every step of your chemo, it's important to help protect yourself against infections. Taking a white cell booster such as Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is one way to help protect yourself, but there are other everyday precautions that are also helpful, such as the following:
Always wash your hands with soap and plenty of water to avoid transmission of infection through things that you touch.
Avoid people with colds or the flu.
Avoid large crowds to avoid coming into contact with sick people.
Bathe daily and gently dry your skin.
Use lotion to help prevent cracks in your skin.
Prevent cuts or scrapes, which can provide places for infection to enter your body.
Use an electric razor instead of a blade to prevent cuts.
Handle sharp objects with caution.
Wear protective gloves when appropriate.
If you get a cut or scrape, cover it with a clean bandage until it heals.
Cook food thoroughly to kill infection-causing bacteria that may be in raw food.
Watch for signs of infection
Be sure to report any of the following signs of infection immediately to your doctor:
Fever higher than 100.4°F (38.2°C)
Chills
Cough or sore throat
Loose stools/diarrhea over 24 hours
Changes in urination
Mouth ulcers or sores in the throat or around the rectum
Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
Redness, swelling, or sores on the skin
Are there any tests that can help monitor for infection?
Your doctor determines what kinds of tests are needed. If you are receiving chemotherapy, you may have blood work done anywhere from the day of or up to 7 days before your scheduled treatment. This blood work will include a complete blood count (CBC). A blood sample for a complete blood count (CBC) will also be collected seven to fourteen days following your chemotherapy. The CBC measures counts of different cells in your body, including the white blood cell (WBC) counts. Patients with a low WBC count are at increased risk of infection and may benefit from treatment with a low white blood cell booster such as Neulasta®.
If you are concerned or unsure about your condition, it may help to make a list of questions to ask your doctor.
