How to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy
Check your temperature daily or as directed by your doctor, as a fever is often the first sign of an infection., Wash your hands thoroughly and often with plenty of soap and warm water. , Avoid people who are sick with a cold or the flu., Bathe...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Check your temperature daily or as directed by your doctor
Document your temperature readings in a notebook. -
Step 2: as a fever is often the first sign of an infection.
, To that end, stay away from large crowds, as you'll most likely have contact with someone who is ill. , However, be careful not to share towels with other family members. ,, Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol. ,,,, Bacteria tend to thrive in warm water. , Your doctor may recommend you receive an influenza vaccination in the weeks prior to chemotherapy to ward off the flu. ,,, Rest helps the body ward off infections. , Always prepare food safely and cook meat, eggs and fish thoroughly. , Painful urination is the main symptom for a bladder infection.
Your gastrointestinal tract may be compromised if you're experiencing cramping or diarrhea.
Pain with bowel movements or rectal bleeding can indicate infection.
You may have a respiratory infection if you develop a cough up green or yellow fluid from your lungs.
Congestion is also common.
A sinus infection's symptoms include congestion, sinus headache and sinus pain.
A cut or scrape can show signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, swelling or pain.
Flu-like symptoms throughout your body are also a sign that you have a viral infection. -
Step 3: Wash your hands thoroughly and often with plenty of soap and warm water.
-
Step 4: Avoid people who are sick with a cold or the flu.
-
Step 5: Bathe daily to keep your skin clean and clear of infection.
-
Step 6: Keep your skin supple with lotion to prevent cracks in your skin.
-
Step 7: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft brush but don't floss.
-
Step 8: Drink plenty of water
-
Step 9: up to 2 US quarts (2
-
Step 10: 000 ml) per day.
-
Step 11: Discontinue eating raw food
-
Step 12: like sushi and items made with raw eggs
-
Step 13: such as milkshakes and Caesar salad.
-
Step 14: Delegate someone else in your household to take care of your pets' litter boxes or cleaning out the fish tank.
-
Step 15: Stay away from hot tubs and saunas if you cannot vouch for their cleanliness.
-
Step 16: Ask your doctor for any medications you can take to help prevent infections if you're commonly in compromising situations.
-
Step 17: Prevent skin cuts and scrapes by taking some extra precautions
-
Step 18: such as using an electric razor instead of a blade and using gloves when handling sharp objects.
-
Step 19: Keep shoes or slippers on your feet at all times to prevent injuries and infection.
-
Step 20: Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.
-
Step 21: Eat a balanced
-
Step 22: healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
-
Step 23: Recognize the symptoms of an infection so you can pinpoint the site of it
-
Step 24: leading to better and quicker treatment.
Detailed Guide
Document your temperature readings in a notebook.
, To that end, stay away from large crowds, as you'll most likely have contact with someone who is ill. , However, be careful not to share towels with other family members. ,, Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol. ,,,, Bacteria tend to thrive in warm water. , Your doctor may recommend you receive an influenza vaccination in the weeks prior to chemotherapy to ward off the flu. ,,, Rest helps the body ward off infections. , Always prepare food safely and cook meat, eggs and fish thoroughly. , Painful urination is the main symptom for a bladder infection.
Your gastrointestinal tract may be compromised if you're experiencing cramping or diarrhea.
Pain with bowel movements or rectal bleeding can indicate infection.
You may have a respiratory infection if you develop a cough up green or yellow fluid from your lungs.
Congestion is also common.
A sinus infection's symptoms include congestion, sinus headache and sinus pain.
A cut or scrape can show signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, swelling or pain.
Flu-like symptoms throughout your body are also a sign that you have a viral infection.
About the Author
Andrew Nguyen
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in pet care and beyond.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: