Infections

Chemotherapy can reduce your white blood cell level, making it harder for your body to fight infections. Viruses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 may be easier to catch and harder to shake off, and scratches or cuts may get infected more easily.

You may also be more likely to develop a serious infection without an obvious cause and need to be admitted to hospital. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics as a precaution against infection. See below for some other ways to reduce your risk of getting an infection.

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The role of white blood cells

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 have low levels of neutrophils. This is known as neutropenia.

To speed up the production of new white blood cells and protect you from infection, your doctor may give you injections of a growth factor drug called granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). 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. Let your doctor know if you have any of these side effects.

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 your temperature daily and any time you feel unwell
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
  • check with your doctor about having the flu vaccine
  • ask people close to you to consider having a flu vaccine
  • ask family and friends with a cold, flu or other contagious infection (e.g. COVID-19 or a cold sore) not to visit until the symptoms have gone away; keep in contact through phone and video calls instead
  • avoid shaking hands, hugging and kissing other people
  • 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 foods (fish, seafood, meat and eggs) and soft cheeses; 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°C 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 heavy nosebleeds, blood in your urine or black faeces (poo)
  • 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

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Additional resources

This information was last reviewed in August 2020. View who reviewed this content.

Clinical A/Prof Rosemary Harrup, Director, Cancer and Blood Services, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS; Katie Benton, Advanced Dietitian, Cancer Care, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Queensland Health, QLD; Gillian Blanchard, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Stacey Burton, Consumer; Dr Fiona Day, Staff Specialist, Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, The University of Newcastle, NSW; Andrew Greig, Consumer; Steve Higgs, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Prof Desmond Yip, Clinical Director, Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, ACT.

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