When it comes to communicable infections such as the flu, cancer patients are among the most vulnerable. As a result, cancer sufferers must take precautions. Cancer may raise your risk of flu complications.
If you have cancer or have had certain types of cancer in the past (such as lymphoma or leukemia), you are more likely to develop flu complications.
Let’s go further to check what do you all need to know about flu and cancer patients.
The flu is an infectious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and, sometimes, the lungs. It can cause mild to severe disease and, in extreme cases, death. The easiest approach to avoid flu is to get a flu vaccine every year.
The most serious concern is that cancer patients are more likely to suffer serious problems if they get the flu. So, if you have cancer and start experiencing symptoms like a fever, runny nose, sore throat, or coughing, contact a doctor very soon, especially if you have a damaged immune system.
There is a good flu therapy, but it must be delivered quickly, within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. If you suspect you have the flu, you should get tested for other viruses as well.
Absolutely. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets vaccinated against the flu. This message is especially essential for cancer patients since, because of their weakened immune system, they are more likely to have severe problems if they get the flu.
Flu shots are more effective than FluMist, a nasal vaccine licensed for healthy persons aged 2 to 49.
FluMist contains a live, albeit weakened, flu virus, whereas flu shots contain a dead virus that cannot get you sick. (A low-grade fever may occur after receiving a flu vaccine, but this is an indication that your body is producing antibodies against the disease, not a symptom of the flu itself.)
The CDC advises that those over the age of 65 obtain the Fluzone High-Dose shot, which stimulates the aging immune system to create more antibodies against the flu.
The CDC has not yet advised that younger people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, receive the high-dose vaccine as well.
People who have had leukemia or lymphoma, which are cancers of the immune system, are most vulnerable to flu complications.
Survivors who were treated with specific chemotherapy medications that could change their immune system, in the long run, are another group at increased risk of flu complications.
Having a flu vaccination is preferable to not getting one, although it may not function as well as it would in a healthy individual.
If you acquire the flu after getting immunized, chances are you won’t be as sick as someone who didn’t get vaccinated.
Some scientists believe cancer patients are more prone to catching the flu, but this has yet to be proven. It is apparent, however, that once they become ill, they are at a higher risk of complications.
Although flu shots have not been demonstrated to affect the efficiency of cancer therapy, this misunderstanding may help explain why many patients refuse to be immunized.
Yes. Every cancer patient should get the flu vaccine, but if you’re on active chemotherapy or have a very weak immune system (for example, shortly after a stem cell transplant), your body may not respond as well as it should or the vaccine may not function at all.
That is why it is critical to take it on a case-by-case basis and you must consult with your doctor. It’s not that getting the vaccine is ever unsafe; it just might not protect you as much as we’d want.
Contact your doctor. If you’ve just undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or if you have leukemia or lymphoma, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to keep you from getting sick.
If you have any concerns about your symptoms, such as a fever, you should see a doctor. It’s more likely that your cancer therapy, rather than the flu, is to blame.
However, if you do have the flu, the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can begin taking antiviral medication to reduce your risk of complications.
While everyone 6 months of age and older should be inoculated against the flu, it is especially important for those who work with cancer patients. The flu vaccine can help caregivers and household members stay well and avoid infecting others.
Pneumococcal disease refers to any infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.
Ear and sinus infections, as well as pneumonia and bloodstream infections, can all be caused by pneumococcal infections. Vaccines are available to help prevent pneumococcal illness.
The flu raises a person’s chance of pneumococcal illness. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially fatal flu-related illness. People who have cancer or other conditions that weaken the immune system should discuss pneumococcal vaccinations with their doctor.
It is critical to take antiviral medications as soon as possible to treat flu in people who are very unwell with flu (for example, those in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a higher risk of significant flu-related complications, such as cancer patients.
If you have been within six feet of someone who has the flu or is suspected of having it, call your doctor right away and ask if you should be given antiviral medication.
You have recently received cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or you have blood or lymphatic cancer.
Wear gloves and a mask, and wash your hands periodically during the day. Avoid congested areas and keep a safe distance from sick people.
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