Know What to do About the Flu: H1N1 Flu Information for People with Cancer

If you are receiving cancer treatment, you may have questions about the H1N1 flu and its impact upon your health. Getting any type of infection is a special concern when you are undergoing cancer treatment. That's because certain treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection.

To protect yourself, get the seasonal and the H1N1 flu vaccines to reduce your risk of illness and possible serious medical complications.

Recognize Flu Symptoms

Seasonal and H1N1 flu symptoms include fever of 100 degrees F. or higher, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have diarrhea and vomiting with H1N1 flu. Remember, people on chemotherapy do not always develop fever when they are ill; so contact your health care provider if you get some of these flu symptoms without actually developing a fever. Your health care provider will be best able to decide if testing or treatment is needed.

If You Get the Flu

  • If you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek medical care right away. People with cancer are at high risk for severe complications of flu. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help prevent these complications.
  • If you are prescribed antiviral medicines, take them according to your doctor's directions. They will help to reduce flu symptoms. Do not stop taking them just because you start to feel better. Not finishing your medications may cause both your symptoms to come back and make the flu harder to treat again (because of resistance).
  • Unless your healthcare provider says not to, keep taking your regular medicines.

Fight the Flu!

Take these everyday steps to reduce your chance of getting or spreading the flu.

  • Always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also good to use if you are not near a sink. If alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not allowed or are unavailable, hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may also be useful for killing flu germs on hands.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or (the crook of) your elbow—not into your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid contact with sick people. (If you have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need antiviral drugs to reduce your chances of getting the flu.)
  • Stay home if you are sick.

Be Prepared!

If you get the flu, you may need help from family and friends. Plan now for who might take care of you if you become ill. Keep your health care provider's name and contact information on hand. Have a written description of your cancer treatment, all your medicines and necessary medical supplies.

For more information, go to www.nyhealth.gov or www.flu.gov.