It’s National Influenza Immunization Week!

How Can You Protect Yourself From The Flu While Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Flu is uncomfortable enough for someone who is otherwise healthy, but it can be disastrous for people whose immune systems have been impaired by cancer or cancer treatment.

Patients are advised to create a plan in advance with their doctor about what to do if they get sick. Flu-like symptoms can also be a sign of a very dangerous infection coming from some unknown source. 

Cancer patients and survivors can be at higher risk for complications from the flu. This is why it’s necessary for their caregivers and family members to take steps to prevent flu from spreading in the first place.

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) this year is December 6 – 12, 2020. NIVW is observed annually in December to remind everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against flu to be protected during the forthcoming winter and holiday months. Together, we can use NIVW as a nationwide call-to-action to encourage those who have not already to get their annual flu shot, particularly those with chronic ailments.

Antiviral Drugs And Their Use Against The Flu

Dr. Shyamali Singhal, surgical oncologist and founder of H&B recommends antiviral drugs to treat flu illness if your doctor prescribes them. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness easier and reduce the time you are sick. They may also stop any serious flu complications.

It’s essential for antiviral drugs to be applied immediately to treat flu in people who are very sick with flu and people who are sick with flu and have a higher possibility of getting serious flu-related complications, including cancer patients.

Call your doctor immediately and ask if you should receive antiviral drugs if you have been within six feet of someone known to have the flu, and if:

• You have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the last month, or

• You have a blood or lymphatic form of cancer.

How Can We Help Stop The Spread Of Viral Diseases?

People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread principally by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are close or be inhaled into their lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others the day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after becoming obviously sick. That means that you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Everybody can help stop the spread by:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer often.

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

• Staying home when you are sick.

Are Flu Vaccines Safe For People With Cancer?

Virtually every type of flu vaccine is safe for people with cancer. Each vaccine protects against 3 common virus strains: H1N1, influenza A, and influenza B. Most flu vaccines are a shot given into the arm muscle, and they contain only dead virus parts. You cannot get the flu from a shot. Finding flu shots is now easier than ever. Doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics provide the vaccine, sometimes during community vaccination days. Pharmacists in retail stores can give you a flu shot with or without insurance coverage. Find nearby locations online.

With some early planning, you can avoid the flu and its complications, even while you are being treated for cancer.