Infections during chemotherapy are generally very serious and life threatening.

Most anticancer drugs affect the bone marrow, decreasing its ability to produce cells. The white blood cells produced in the bone marrow help to protect the body by the fighting bacteria that cause infection. If the numbers of white cells in your blood reduces there is a higher risk of getting the infection. If cell count drops too much, the doctor may postpone treatment, give a lower dose of chemotherapy, or prescribe treatment to increase the production of white cells.

TECHNIQUES TO PREVENT INFECTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS

1.  Keep your hands clean, washing them as often as required.

2.  Stay away from people who have the disease you can catch, such as cold, flu, measles or chickenpox.

3.      Avoid crowds.

4.      Clean your rectal area gently but thoroughly after each bowel movement. Take the advice of the Doctor if the area becomes irritated or if you have piles.

5.      Avoid cuts or wounds of even the smallest kind, like cutting your nails, cuticles, handling sharp instruments, shaving, brushing your teeth or any other activity with a sharp object.

6.      Don’t squeeze or scratch pimples.

7.      If you do get any such wound, be sure to clean it with antiseptic.

8.      Protect your scalp from sunlight with a scarf or cap or hat if you happen to lose a lot of hair.

9.      Do not get any immunization shots without checking first with your doctor.

The symptoms of infection include a fever of 100 degrees F or more, chills, sweating, loose bowels, a burning feeling when you urinate, a severe cough or sore throat, unusual vaginal discharge of itching, redness, swelling or tenderness especially around a wound or abdominal pain.

Report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately.