When you have chemotherapy you may be much less able to fight infections. This is because most chemotherapy temporarily reduces the number of white cells in the blood.

You can help yourself by…

    * trying to prevent infections

    * watching out for signs of infection, and acting promptly.

How to prevent infection

Try to avoid…

    * contact with anyone who has an obvious infection

    * unpasteurised milk and cheese, and live yoghurt

    * raw or undercooked eggs

    * pâté and undercooked food, especially chicken and other meats

    * take away food

    * changing the nappies of children who have recently been vaccinated

    * getting close to animals and their excreta (especially cat litter trays and bird cages)

    * gardening injuries (wear thick gloves).

Always do these things…

    * wash your hands before you prepare or eat food

    * store and prepare chilled ready to eat foods as per instructions and eat by their 'use by' dates

    * wash or peel all fruit, vegetables and salads

    * wash your hands after handling animals, fresh flowers or pot plants

    * clean your teeth regularly (at least twice a day)

    * use any mouthwashes your doctor has recommended

    * a flu jab is a good idea - but discuss this, and other immunisations, with hospital staff first.

Watch out for the signs of infection listed here…

If you spot any of them, contact your hospital or GP straight away. Look out for…

    * a raised temperature (see below)

    * uncontrollable shivering or shaking

    * a sore throat

    * diarrhoea

    * a cough or shortness of breath

    * discomfort or burning when you pass urine

    * a rash

    * bruising or bleeding for no apparent reason.

A raised temperature is…

    * above 38°C (100.4°F) at any time, OR

    * above 37.5°C (99.5°F) at any two readings, taken an hour or more apart.

It is useful to keep a thermometer at home to check your temperature. You can buy one at the chemists.