How to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can effectively destroy cancer cells, but it also destroys healthy cells that are needed to fight off infection. This can make patients more vulnerable to other types of illness. Although infection cannot be completely prevented, there are certain precautionary measures that you can take to protect against it.

• Prevent infection during chemotherapy by washing your hands thoroughly before and after touching animals, children, eating and using the bathroom. It is recommended by doctors that you wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Use liquid soap rather than bar soap, as germs are more likely to live on bar soaps.  Rub your hands together and wash between your fingers, the back of your hands and underneath your fingernails. Rinse your hands thoroughly with warm water and use a paper towel to pat dry.


• Take a shower daily to prevent infection. Gently dry your skin thoroughly with a clean towel. Use a mild lotion to prevent cracks on the skin.


• Prepare food by cooking it thoroughly. Avoid eating raw food that contains bacteria, which causes infection. Wash utensils, surfaces and your hands with warm water after preparing food, especially raw meat.


• Keep away from crowded areas, as well as away from people who are sick. Avoid coming in contact with people who have certain contagious conditions, such as chickenpox, measles, flu or the cold.


• Wear gloves when you are doing certain chores such as gardening. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing the gloves to remove traces of soil or mulch. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust and fungal spores.