Preventing Infection — During Chemotherapy

Your risk is highest during the nadir — the period when your white blood cell count is at its lowest. This falls at a predictable point in your treatment cycle, and your oncologist or nurse can tell you exactly when to expect it for your specific regimen. Extra vigilance in crowds and immediate reporting of any fever matters most during that window. A fever is always urgent regardless of where you are in the cycle — never wait to see if it settles.

For most patients, freshly cooked food and ordinary food hygiene is enough. Avoid food that has been sitting out, unwashed raw produce, and anything with visible mould. The strict food rules you may have read about — avoiding all fresh fruit, salads, or takeaways — are mainly for patients who have had a bone marrow transplant or are severely immunosuppressed. Ask your team what level of precaution applies to your specific treatment and your recent blood results.

Yes, in most cases. You do not need to ban visitors. Ask anyone currently unwell with a cold, flu, or stomach bug to wait until they have recovered. If a household member develops a fever or infection, let your oncology team know. Staying connected with family supports your wellbeing during treatment, and unnecessary isolation is not advised for most patients on chemotherapy.

Not usually. Masks are most useful in high-risk enclosed spaces — some teams recommend them on crowded public transport or in hospital waiting areas during your nadir period. At home with healthy family members, they add little benefit. Hand washing, avoiding contact with people who are unwell, and reporting any fever immediately do far more. If your team has given you specific advice about masks, follow that guidance.