In most cases, chemotherapy is integral to cancer treatment. It is usually done to shrink tumours before surgery (Non-Adjuvant Chemotherapy) or kill remaining cancer cells after surgery. However, chemotherapy involves administering strong drugs that might weaken your immune system and as a result, you will be more prone to infections.
Followings are five smart ways to boost your immune system and take best care of your health during chemotherapy.
Take Protection Drugs
Consult the best oncologist in Kolkata to discuss if you should take any protection drugs to empower your immune system and prevent infection. The oncologists usually prescribe some medicines to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and if needed, will suggest a few more.
If you have a weak immune system, your oncologist might recommend prophylactic antibiotics that include anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal medications. If you have a high risk of infection, the doctor might recommend colony-stimulating treatment usually administered as a patch or an injection. The treatment increases the number of white blood cells and thus, reduces the chance of infection. However, it also inflicts some temporary side-effects.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Poor nutrition is one of the factors responsible for a weak immune system. As a result, you will be at a higher risk of getting infection. Therefore, taking a nutrition-rich diet is always important, especially when you are undergoing cancer treatment. A diet rich in nutrition and calories supply your body with what it needs to feel energetic during this period.
Cancer and/or cancer treatment often impair your digestive system. Therefore, you should have a diet chart in place. Consult your oncologist or dietician at the best hospital for cancer treatment in Kolkata regarding what you should eat during chemotherapy. In case, you have low appetite, the physician may suggest dietary supplements to make up for nutritional needs.
Germs are often spread through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, properly wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating. Make sure to thoroughly cook all types of animal products including egg, dairy items and meat.
Avoid Meeting Sick People
Don’t get in contact with people who have fever, cough or other infections. Avoid the crowded places as these places pose a higher risk of causing infection.
If someone at your home is ill:
- Don’t spend time with the person in the same room.
- Don’t use personal products such as, towels or pillows used by the person.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap, water and sanitizer.
- Clean the surfaces touched by the person.
Report Signs of Infection
If you notice or experience any sign of infection, immediately report it to your doctor. The most common symptoms of infection are:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Sore Throat
- Nasal Congestion
- Vomiting
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in any part of your body
Early treatment ensures quick recovery and eliminates/lowers the risk of complications.
Get the Flu Shot Annually
An annual flu shot reduces your risk of contracting flu, which is often contagious and might cause other complications during chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society recommends that the cancer patients can get the flu shot a fortnight before the chemotherapy or between two consecutive chemo cycles.