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\nPeople with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy are more likely to get infections because of their weakened immune system.
\nPeople with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy are more likely to get infections because of their weakened immune system.
\nChemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy also can damage your immune system by reducing your number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections.
\nAn infection can also lead to sepsis, the body\u2019s extreme response to an infection. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you or your loved one has an infection that\u2019s not getting better or is getting worse, act fast.
\nHaving cancer or having a history of cancer can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 and the flu. Cancer and treatments for many types of cancer can weaken your body\u2019s ability to fight off disease. Having a history of cancer may increase your risk.
\nYou get an infection when germs enter your body and multiply, causing illness, organ and tissue damage, or disease. Bacteria and viruses cause infections.
\nChemotherapy drugs treat cancer by killing the fastest-growing cells in the body\u2014both cancer cells and normal cells.
\nWhite blood cells help your body fight infections. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells as well as healthy white blood cells, which are your body\u2019s main defense against infection. This is a side effect called neutropenia.
\nGerms enter your body. With fewer white blood cells, your body can\u2019t kill the germs as well as it could before you started chemotherapy. So you\u2019re more likely to get sick.
\nCall your doctor right away, even if this happens in the middle of the night. This is considered an emergency. Don\u2019t wait until morning. Always keep your doctor\u2019s phone numbers with you. Make sure you know which number to call during your doctor\u2019s office hours, as well as after hours.
\nTake your temperature any time you feel warm, flushed, chilled, or not well. Call your doctor right away if you have a temperature of 100.4\u00baF (38\u00baC) or higher.
\nMany diseases are spread by not cleaning your hands, which is especially dangerous when you\u2019re getting chemotherapy treatment. Wash your hands often.
\nInfection during chemotherapy can lead to hospitalization or death. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of an infection.
\nYour doctor or nurse will let you know exactly when your white blood cell count is likely to be at its lowest. You should carefully watch for signs and symptoms of infection during this time.
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