Worried about swine flu during chemotherapy?

When I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, I was told, as all chemo patients, are to report any signs of colds or flu straight away, to avoid situations where you know germs to be present, and generally to be extra careful during your treatment. This is because chemotherapy lowers your immune system and your defenses against germs may be too low to protect you against illness.  So, when media reports of this virulent strain of swine flu first started to appear, my thoughts were with those undergoing chemotherapy today.  Pam Stephan  at her blog, offers some sensible advice for us all.

Stay home whenever possible. Ask your support team to get groceries, walk your dog, bring work home from the office, or whatever else you can delegate.

If you develop a fever of 100.5F or higher, call your doctor right away (day or night) and start drinking plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated and get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your fever.

If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then toss it out. No tissues handy? Turn your face into the crook of your elbow, to keep germs from flying away.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer – this will kill most germs.

Avoid people who have a fever, cough, or sneezing, or complain of any flu-like symptoms

If you feel like you are developing flu symptoms, don’t wait to see if it will just go away. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for advice or an appointment