Taking care with infections during chemotherapy

How to reduce your risk

When to seek medical help

To prevent the spread of infections:

• check with your doctor about having vaccines for the flu and COVID-19
• ask people close to you to consider having vaccines for the flu and COVID-19, and if they have a contagious infection (e.g. cold, flu, COVID-19, measles, cold sore) to wait until they are 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 and avoid raw fish, raw seafood, raw meat, uncooked eggs and soft cheeses
• wash fruit 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 nosebleeds, blood in your urine or black bowel motions
• ongoing faintness or dizziness and a rapid heartbeat
• any sudden decline in your health.