What can I do to prevent getting an infection?

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Q: What can I do to prevent getting an infection? 

A: Levels of infection-fighting white blood cells often drop during chemotherapy treatment. This condition, called neutropenia, makes you more susceptible to infections and if left untreated, may cause your treatment to be delayed or dosage reduced. Medication is available to help your body make white blood cells to reduce the risk of developing an infection or delaying or reducing doses of treatment.

In addition, you still must watch for any signs of infection, such as having a fever or chills, or redness around a sore. To keep infections away, avoid anything that allows bacteria to enter your mouth or gastrointestinal tract. Be diligent about washing your hands frequently, especially after eating, using the toilet, touching animals, or areas where a lot of other people have been.

Prevent cuts--use an electric shaver and take care with knives. Clean all cuts and scrapes with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infectious diseases, as well as children who have received "live" vaccines (check with your doctor before getting any immunizations). Say "no thanks" to raw foods, such as fish, sushi, meat, or eggs. Maintain good dental care. Don't clean up animal waste from the yard, litter box, aquarium, or cage. (This is a perfect job for all those people who've asked what they can do to help.) And wear gloves when gardening.
--Bernice Crook, RN, OCN

Your risk of infection may be increased by cystitis, a bladder problem caused by treatment.