Infections

If white blood cell numbers drop during chemotherapy, it can lower your immunity. This makes you more likely to get infections and less able to fight any infections that do occur. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics as a precaution against infection.

Many types of white blood cells make up the total white cell count. A type of white blood cell known as a neutrophil protects you against infection by destroying harmful bacteria and yeasts that enter the body. During chemotherapy, some people get low levels of neutrophils. This is known as neutropenia.

If you have neutropenia, you may be given an injection of growth factor drugs called granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) after chemotherapy to encourage the bone marrow to make more white blood cells. Your doctor or nurse will speak to you about possible side effects. Some people may experience bone pain or tenderness at the injection site, or show signs of an allergic reaction.

During chemotherapy treatment, even a minor infection could become serious quickly. See When to seek medical help for when you need to contact your doctor urgently.

Taking care with infections during chemotherapy

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of infection during chemotherapy, and advice on when to seek medical help.

Reduce your risk

When to seek medical help

To prevent the spread of infection:

check with your doctor about having the flu vaccine
ask people close to you to consider having a flu shot
ask family and friends with a cold, flu or other contagious infection (e.g. chickenpox, measles or a cold sore) to wait until they feel well before visiting
as far as practical, avoid close contact with people you live with if they are unwell
try to avoid crowded places, such as shopping centres or public transport in peak hour
wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and eating, and after using the toilet
prepare and store food properly to avoid foodborne illness and food poisoning
eat freshly cooked foods; avoid raw fish, seafood, meat, eggs and soft cheeses; and wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.

Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

a temperature of 38^oC or higher
chills or shivering
sweating, especially at night
burning or stinging feeling when urinating
a severe cough or sore throat
shortness of breath
vomiting that lasts more than a few hours
severe abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea
unusual bleeding or bruising, such as nosebleeds, blood in your urine or black bowel motions
prolonged faintness or dizziness and a rapid heartbeat
any sudden deterioration in your health.

After chemotherapy I became very susceptible to infections. A small scrape can quickly become serious. But when I feel like an infection is coming on, I’ve learnt to see my doctor straightaway.

Brigita

This information was last reviewed in August 2018. View who reviewed this content.

Dr Prunella Blinman, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, and Clinical Senior Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW; Gillian Blanchard, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater Newcastle, and Conjoint Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Newcastle, NSW; Julie Bolton, Consumer; Keely Gordon-King, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland, QLD; John Jameson, Consumer; Dr Zarnie Lwin, Medical Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Dr Felicia Roncolato, Medical Oncology Staff Specialist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.

Featured resource

The information on this page is also available for download.

Understanding Chemotherapy

Download PDF408kB

Additional resources

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

Support services

Coping with cancer?
Ask a health professional or someone who’s been there, or find a support group or forum

Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment

Cancer information

Managing cancer side effects
Detailed information on coping with the most common side effects experienced by people with cancer

Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope