www.cancer.gov 27 Infection What it is and why it occurs Some types of chemotherapy make it harder for your bone marrow to produce new white blood cells. White blood cells help your body fight infection. Since chemotherapy decreases the number of your white blood cells, it is important to avoid infections. There are many types of white blood cells. One type is called a neutrophil. When your neutrophil count is low, it is called neutropenia. Your doctor or nurse may do blood tests to find out whether you have neutropenia. It is important to watch for signs of infection when you have neutropenia. Check for fever at least once a day, or as often as your doctor or nurse tells you to. You may find it best to use a digital thermometer. Many doctors will want you to call if you have a fever of 100.5°F or higher, but this can vary. Ask your doctor or nurse when you should call to report a high fever. Ways to avoid infection Your doctor or nurse will check your white blood cell count throughout your treatment. If chemotherapy is likely to make your white blood cell count very low, you may get medicine to raise your white blood cell count and lower your risk of infection. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hands before cooking and eating, and after you use the bathroom, blow your nose, cough, sneeze, or touch animals. Carry hand sanitizer for times when you are not near soap and water. Use sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces and items that you touch. This includes public telephones, ATM machines, doorknobs, and other common items. Be gentle and thorough when you wipe yourself after a bowel movement. Instead of toilet paper, use a baby wipe or squirt of water from a spray bottle to clean yourself. Let your doctor or nurse know if your rectal area is sore or bleeds or if you have hemorrhoids. Stay away from people who are sick. This includes people with COVID, colds, flu, measles, or chicken pox. You also need to stay away from children who just had a “live virus” vaccine for chicken pox or polio. Call your doctor, nurse, or local health department if you have any questions.
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