Infection

The immune system help to protect us from infection and disease. It has different parts:

• the skin and mucous membranes
• proteins produced by the body
• organs and cells.

The skin protects our body and internal organs from infection. The mucous membranes also act as a protective barrier to stop germs getting into your body. Mucous membranes are in areas of the body that are more open to germs, such as the:

• mouth
• nose
• digestive system
• urethra (the tube that urine passes out of).

Your body produces fluids that contain special proteins and chemicals. If organisms get into your body, the proteins attack them.

Blood and lymph cells are produced by the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The bone marrow is the spongy material in the middle of some of our bones. The lymphatic system is a system made up of organs such as the:

• lymph nodes
• thymus
• spleen, which contains white blood cells that fight infection.

Different white blood cells destroy organisms that get into the body. They travel through your blood or lymphatic vessels to the area of damage or infection. Then they destroy the harmful organisms.

Below are some general tips to help you to reduce your risk of getting an infection. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will give you more advice.

One of the best ways to avoid infection is with good personal hygiene. You should:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water
• always wash your hands after you have been to the toilet
• always wash your hands before cooking or eating
• always wash your hands after working in a garden
• clean your hands with hand gel, if you are not able to wash them
• have a shower or bath every day
• not share towels or flannels.

If you have pets or work with animals, you need to be extra careful. It is usually safe to touch or stroke animals, if you wash your hands afterwards. Avoid handling any animal waste, such as litter trays or manure.

You can lower your risk of infection by being careful around other people. You should:

Avoid places where there is likely to be a mould or fungus called aspergillus. It can grow in dead leaves, grain stores, compost piles or other decaying vegetation. Aspergillus may also be found in building materials such as brick, mortar and cement dust.

If you are worried about this, talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse.

Vaccinations can reduce your risk of getting certain infections. If you are planning to have any vaccinations, it is always best to discuss this with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse. If you are having cancer treatment, you may not be able to have some vaccinations.

Your doctor or nurse may talk to you about having a flu vaccination and a coronavirus vaccination. These are both inactivated vaccines that can help reduce the risk of infection. As they are not live vaccines, they cannot harm you when your immunity is reduced.

You will need to avoid live vaccines if your immune system is weak. Live vaccines include:

• shingles
• measles
• mumps
• rubella (MMR)
• oral typhoid
• BCG
• yellow fever.

Live vaccines contain a very weak version of the illness they are vaccinating you against. If your immune system is weak, you may become unwell.

If you are planning a holiday abroad and need certain vaccinations before you travel, check with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse first.

Some people having cancer treatment have central lines or PICC lines. These are long, thin tubes made of plastic.

These lines can stay in place for many months. Your nurse will show you how to clean the line and protect it from bacteria and possible damage.

You can develop a mouth infection when your immunity is low. It is important to take extra care to keep your mouth clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if your gums are sore. Check inside your mouth once a day for any:

• redness
• swelling
• ulcers
• white patches
• bleeding.

Your doctor may prescribe antiseptic mouthwashes for you. Sometimes they may also prescribe antifungal tablets, mouthwashes or lozenges. If you use these regularly, they can help prevent infection.

It is important not to have any dental work done without talking to your cancer doctor first.

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist and healthy. Drinking plenty of fluids also flushes out your kidneys and bladder, which helps prevent bacteria from growing.

People may find it difficult to eat and drink for different reasons. This may be due to the side effects of treatment or the cancer itself. For example, you may feel sick or have taste changes that affect your appetite. But it is important to try to eat a healthy and balanced diet, as this helps your immune system.

Some foods can have harmful bacteria in them, especially shellfish, poultry and eggs. You should:

• store food at the correct temperature and cook it well
• not reheat food
• check ‘use by’ dates
• keep raw and cooked foods apart
• wash salads, fruits and vegetables
• avoid unpasteurised milk, cheese and dairy products.

If you have had an autologous stem cell transplant or if you are having high doses of chemotherapy, your nurse may advise you about what to eat and what to avoid.