Infection

Neutropenia can be reduced or avoided with administration of growth factors such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). This treatment is only used with certain types of chemotherapy. Your doctor will decide if this medication is suitable for you. If your neutrophil count is low or has not returned to normal, your doctor may delay your next treatment or reduce your dose of chemotherapy. Your doctor will make these decisions based on your individual circumstances.

Neutrophils are commonly at their lowest point seven to 14 days after starting treatment. During this time, it’s important to reduce your risk of infection. You can do this by:

• Washing your hands on all sides including your fingertips before eating and after using the bathroom, sneezing etc. You should use a waterless cleaner if you do not have access to soap and water
• Showering every day
• Cleaning cuts, scrapes, sores and/or stings immediately with warm water, soap, and antiseptic. Do not squeeze or scratch pimples
• Preventing constipation. If you need a laxative, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid rectal suppositories or enemas
• Avoiding sexual intercourse if severely neutropenic
• Speaking to your doctor before you have any dental treatment and let your dentist know that you are receiving cancer treatment. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after eating and before bedtime
• Checking with your doctor before you receive any immunisations. If you are exposed to people who have chickenpox, shingles or measles, tell your doctor
• Staying away from large crowds of people until your neutrophil count has improved
• Staying away from construction and building sites where there is a lot of dust
• Wearing protective gloves and shoes when working outside (do not handle potting mix)
• Avoiding handling pet waste or cleaning fish tanks
• Practicing good food hygiene and making safe dietary choices – Wash your hands before eating and after handling food, clean and cook foods thoroughly, wash and peel fresh fruit and vegetables, wash knives and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods, avoid take away meals (especially chicken, food kept under hot light and ready-made salads), avoid shell fish, prawns, oysters, smoked fish, sushi, pate and deli meats, avoid soft cheeses such as feta, brie, camembert and blue vein, and if food needs to be reheated, it should be heated until it is hot throughout and then allowed to cool to the right temperature