Chemo Tip - Avoid Infections
Chemotherapy is a common & effective way to treat cancer. Chemotherapy side effects such as infection and other immune related illnesses are possible.
Chemotherapy is the most common and effective way to treat cancer. But the treatment leaves you with various chemotherapy side effects, such as the propensity for infections and other immune related illnesses. It is very important to stay healthy during treatment so remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid people who are sick, and protect yourself from cuts and scraps. In this video, Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher shares a few tips on how to stay infection-free during chemotherapy.
This video features Paul Knoepflmacher, MD. Dr. Knoepflmacher is a clinical instructor of medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he also maintains a private practice.
Duration: 1:27. Last Updated On: Nov. 8, 2017, 6:14 p.m.
- 00:00 [MUSIC]
- 00:06 I'm Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher.
- 00:08 Chemotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for
- 00:11 cancer, the powerful medication used in chemo targets cells that are growing fast,
- 00:16 which includes cancer cells.
- 00:18 But the drugs also affect and
- 00:19 weaken healthy cells, including those in the immune system.
- 00:22 And that can leave you vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
- 00:26 That's why it is so
- 00:27 important to focus on staying healthy when you're undergoing chemo.
- 00:29 Here are some tips.
- 00:32 Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, cooking,
- 00:35 touching shared items like phones, doorknobs, and remote controls.
- 00:40 Use a good soap and
- 00:40 rub your hands together for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday.
- 00:44 Avoid people who are sick, and large crowds.
- 00:46 Protect yourself from cuts and scrapes, and clean them well if they occur.
- 00:50 If you're losing your hair, wear a hat to protect the skin on your head.
- 00:53 You'd be surprised how easy it is to bump your head and end up with a wound.
- 00:57 Take all your medications as prescribed, and
- 00:59 stay on schedule with your chemo treatment.
- 01:01 Above all, see your doctor if you're not feeling well.
- 01:03 If you have a fever, stiff neck, sore muscles, or
- 01:06 pain, get it checked immediately.
- 01:08 Early treatment will help you stay healthy through your chemo.
- 01:11 Cancer treatments are draining mentally and physically.
- 01:13 But keep your eye on the goal.
- 01:15 Staying healthy along the way is important.
- 01:17 So talk to your doctor, family, and friends about what you're feeling.
- 01:20 And ask for help if you need it.
- 01:22 [MUSIC]
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