Dealing With Cancer and Flu

Annually, there are more than 1.5 million new cases of new cancer and half a million estimated deaths due to cancer in America. Each year, it’s projected that approximately 132,700 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in African Americans.  Of great concern is the fact that living with cancer may increases one’s risk for complications due to contracting influenza or what’s commonly called the “flu.” These complications from the flu may result in hospitalization and death, even if the patient’s cancer is in remission or “cured.”

By definition, “flu” refers to illnesses caused by a family of different influenza viruses.  Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Although there’s no casual information or data available to support the idea that cancer patients and survivors are at greater risk for infection with flu, there’s a large body of data that indicates that individuals inflicted with cancer have a greater risk for complications from having the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that individuals at-risk with cancer or other diseases that compromise one’s immune system ask their health care providers if two pneumococcal pneumonia shots are needed. They also advise that individuals with cancer or a history of cancer should receive the seasonal flu shot, as opposed to the nasal spray vaccine. People who live with or care for cancer patients and survivors also should be vaccinated against seasonal flu.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to avoid contracting the flu. Experts say this is possible by avoiding large crowds and washing your hands with warm water and soap after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. More importantly, if you think you have flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor.   –torrance stephens, Ph.D.