Chemo and the flu

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Lahotch65
Lahotch65 Member Posts: 16
edited February 2018 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi,

I just finished my first round of chemo and I'm doing as well as can be expected. My question is about getting sick. Is everyone wearing a mask when they go out? I'm a teacher, and so many teachers/kids are getting sick. I was thinking of taking the rest of the year off because of being afraid of getting sick. What is your advise?

Thanks

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited February 2018

    When I went through chemo I wore a mask all the time, and although it was flu season then,

    it wasn't like this year when there is so much serious illness from it.


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  • Shellsatthebeach
    Shellsatthebeach Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2018

    I'm a teacher too. My oncologist made me take the rest of the year off. She did not want me to risk infection. Even when I was out, I caught two infections that impacted my chemo schedule. Honestly, the risk isn't worth it with this year's flu strain. I did end up catching it (treatment done) and it was not fun. With your immune system done, it leaves you very vulnerable to things like pneumonia.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2018

    I'm an instructor. I only went out when I was at my immunity peaks during chemo. When I was at the nadirs, I didn't go anywhere near work. My oncologist was rather alarmed to learn that I taught people who work with kindergarteners, thus potentially exposing me to every disease in the community.

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  • Lahotch65
    Lahotch65 Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2018

    Thank you so much for your input. I have a lot to think about. I feel guilty for not wanting to go back but I’m really afraid of getting sick.

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