Forum Discussion

Janet_Plummer's avatar
Janet_Plummer
Member
13 years ago

Catching a cold on chemo

I'm wondering if anyone has any any advice on how to avoid catching a cold while on chemo or experience of what happens if you do get one. 

 My 3 school-age kids keep coming home with sore throats, coughs and sniffles. I'm using every anti-bactieria/ disinfectant product available to man - hand-wash, air-freshener, surface sprays, floor cleaner etc and I've asked my kids to be careful to cover their mouths, wash their hand etc but I'm worried that my luck is going to run out at some stage.

If you get a cold while on chem how do the doctors treat it? Colds are supposed to be caused by viruses so anti-biotics aren't going to help. What happens?

8 Replies

  • chipmunk's avatar
    chipmunk
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Chris

    No, I haven't had the flu shot. I wasn't sure whether you can have one while on chemo. I will talk to my oncologist next Friday when I see  her.

    Yes, the handy pocket anitbacterial wash are a blessing. i carry and use it all the time.

    Yes, all the time reminding the kids to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they sneeze...... a never ending nagging mother hahaha.

    thanks for the advice. Love as always Julie XX

     

  • chipmunk's avatar
    chipmunk
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Chris

    No, I haven't had the flu shot. I wasn't sure whether you can have one while on chemo. I will talk to my oncologist next Friday when I see  her.

    Yes, the handy pocket anitbacterial wash are a blessing. i carry and use it all the time.

    Yes, all the time reminding the kids to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they sneeze...... a never ending nagging mother hahaha.

    thanks for the advice. Love as always Julie XX

     

  • DansBoobs's avatar
    DansBoobs
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thats a line from NSW health, but it's true. Keep using your sanitizer. The best thing you can do is keep yours and your kids' hands clean. Unfortunately if your going to get something, you will get it. We are usually only neutropenic for a short time, especially if on neulasta. I got a wee cold my first cycle, and didn't get neulasta but managed to get through ok with some oral antibiotics. Keep up with your mouth care, lots of good healthy foods, light exercise if you can and try not to worry too much. xx Dan xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Chipmunk, have you had a flu shot this year? You would be a good candidate for it, as you would hate to catch this, which is more likely with children around. One of the very best things you can do, is to wash your hands frequently. The cold and flu virus can live on surfaces, and is easily spread when you touch these and then your face, which we do hundreds of times daily. Especially bad are supermarket trolley handles. Some antibacterial hand wash in your handbag, which you use often may also help. Good luck and keep healthy. Love Chris xx

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Chipmunk, have you had a flu shot this year? You would be a good candidate for it, as you would hate to catch this, which is more likely with children around. One of the very best things you can do, is to wash your hands frequently. The cold and flu virus can live on surfaces, and is easily spread when you touch these and then your face, which we do hundreds of times daily. Especially bad are supermarket trolley handles. Some antibacterial hand wash in your handbag, which you use often may also help. Good luck and keep healthy. Love Chris xx

  • chipmunk's avatar
    chipmunk
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for the advice girls, as I wasn't to sure either, as to what would happen.

    Good to know...

    Julie XX

  • Sarah_51's avatar
    Sarah_51
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Janet

    Unfortunately we are more susceptible to catching colds on chemo due to our lowered immune system. I had a cold or sore throat on every cycle of chemo but took my temp every day and just made sure it stayed just a cold. Had antibiotics a couple of times and was really careful about who I mixed with but was just unlucky I guess.

    Hope you breeze through it.

    Sarah x

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    Get a mask from the chemist and wear it near the sickies.I know it's hard but try and keep them at arms length as well. If you do catch a cold then you would just monitor your temp and how you're feeling.You'd have to tell your oncologist incase he wanted to delay the next chemo round,If you feel crook or your temp goes to 38 then it's off to the hospital,don't hesitate.Good luck.

                                                 Tonya xx