Last night a friend of mine called and said she was sick with the flu/cold and would not be able to make it to our lunch date for today. She didn't want to risk me catching it. I was so glad she called to cancel.
Colds and flu are actually quite dangerous for people undergoing chemotherapy.
When someone is getting chemo generally the white blood cell count is down. Because the white blood cells are the body's weapon against infection and they are now lowered, the immune system is weakened. So the body is not able to fight off a cold or flu as a normal person might.
This could easily turn into something worse like a high fever or pneumonia ... and/or delay treatment.
So long story short ... please be aware of that if you are not feeling well or have family members that are not feeling well do let the person undergoing cancer treatment know so that they could make the final decision.
There I can get off my soap box.
Colds and flu are actually quite dangerous for people undergoing chemotherapy.
When someone is getting chemo generally the white blood cell count is down. Because the white blood cells are the body's weapon against infection and they are now lowered, the immune system is weakened. So the body is not able to fight off a cold or flu as a normal person might.
This could easily turn into something worse like a high fever or pneumonia ... and/or delay treatment.
So long story short ... please be aware of that if you are not feeling well or have family members that are not feeling well do let the person undergoing cancer treatment know so that they could make the final decision.
There I can get off my soap box.
11 comments:
Good post! And I would add to that -clean your hands! Often! For a minimu of 20 seconds! Kill those germs before they spread!
There - now I can get off of MY soap box!
Yes...I am so hoping I don't get a flu this year for that very reason.
xxx
Yes my family and friends were great like that when i was chemo-ing too X:-)
I will get up on your soap box with you - some people are so inconsiderate - so glad your friend ws not!!! Thank you for popping into my blog hon - it always brightens my day when I see your posts!! Hugs, Sarah
Thank you! Sometimes I wish I could post a sign saying that. You would think it wouldn't even have to be said, but... Blessings and Have a great weekend.
Thanks for putting this on your blog! Its so important.
My youngest daughter (17), with whom I share a computer, has finally gotten thru her head that she has to wash her hands as soon as she gets in the door!! She finally took us seriously when my blood counts got low and I needed a shot. Then she got scared and now is almost obsessed with washing. :)
Tina
Hello Lady,
AM so glad that your friend called you up b4 your date.
Yes! flu is like a contigous disease to people who undergo chemos or even to people just had operated w/c their immune defense is weak.
Hope you have a wonderful week-end and always take care and enjoy the best of it.
God Bless always. You're always in my prayers.
xoxo
Well done Daria, some people just don't think! I had to tell a friend off when she had a tummy bug and came to my door - I told her straight "that could kill me"! I have hay fever right now, feels like a cold but I know it isnt
Great reminder Daria. Not a soap box really -- I think you have done a good service for those who might not realize how dangerous it is -- it's thoughtless to meet someone when you have the flu and might pass it on; it's dangerous to those who have no immune system. You've done a wonderful service here!
Maybe we should all have "chemo tee shirts" made with this message on them!!!!
I know I've become paranoid in the grocery store, especially when waiting in the check out line. I hate to say it, but the little, snotty kids are just the worst offenders!
Thanks for posting this! A lot of people are just simply not aware of what chemo does to our bodies. I have been lucky enough to be able to get Neulasta to boost my WBCs, otherwise I would be totally confined to my house and that would be awful! I am one of those types of people that will always say something if someone coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth, or doesn't wash their hands after using the restroom. I'm worse about it now!
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