- Wash your hands often, especially before and after eating or using the bathroom. Remind your visitors to wash their hands.
- Tell friends and family who are sick, or have had a live vaccine recently, not to visit. Do not accept fresh or dried flowers or plants.
- Clean your mouth after each meal and at bedtime. (Follow Tips for Preventing Mouth Problems)
- Bathe or shower daily, using a mild soap. Moisturize with lotion to prevent cracks in your skin. Use care when trimming nails.
- Clean your rectal area gently and thoroughly after bowel movements.
- Do not use tampons or douche.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables very well. Do not eat undercooked or raw foods.
- Walk in the hallways every day. Breathe deeply if you cannot walk in the hallways. Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Your nurse or doctor will tell you when you need to wear a mask.
- Let your doctor or nurse know right away if you:
- feel warm
- have chills or start shaking
- have a new cough or trouble breathing
- have burning or pain when urinating
- Redness, swelling, soreness or drainage from any body part such as sinuses or mouth.
©Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
Disclaimer: All Information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice for your specific condition.
Home > The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center > Patient Information > Patient Education > Patient Handbook > Managing Side Effects
Tips for Preventing Infection
Read Our Blogs
Cancer Matters: timely topics
Our Cancer: for caregivers
Useful Links for Patients
View useful resources for patients.
Facebook
Twitter
Sharecare
Blogs
YouTube
RSS
Podcasts