I wanted to start a new thread on this topic because few talk about the measures one has to take to avoid life threatening flu, colds and other opportunistic infections, while in late Tx and early post Tx. First off you must not come in contact with sick people - period. You must not ride in vehicles where sick adults (or especially children) have ridden. You must not allow sick visitors, no matter how well meaning they are. If your spouse is sick, sleep in a different room. You must be very careful in hospitals and doctors offices - get waterless hand disinfectant and don't touch anything, especially your face, until you have washed your hands first. You should avoid any public places, public conveyances, banks, shopping malls, supermarkets, sporting events, churches, etc. You should insure that the kitchen and bathrooms at your home are thoroughly disinfected on a regular basis. CDC Atlanta recommends a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. If you must go shopping, wear gloves to handle door handles and shopping carts (which can be especially filthy -who knows if the little kid that was in there last pee'd his pants in the same spot you're putting your groceries). Bring your own magazine or book to the doctors office. Use gloves when you are pumping gas. Anything that people touch in common is a potential disease vector (touchpads, doorknobs, armchair handles, etc.). I won't shake or hold hands with people who are sick and I let it be known that my immune system is compromised and a common cold or flu could easily lead to pneumonia and kill me. You really have to go the distance with this or face severe consequences. A compromised immune system will take quite a while to recover. Your CBC's will tell most of the tale -make sure that you are aware of what the limits are and the ranges your blood fall into. Always get copies of your bloodwork -discuss it with your doctor.
Additionally the NCCN guidelines also specify a TSH test (for your thyroid) every 6 months for those receiving radiation in the head and neck area (and you should have gotten a baseline test prior to starting radiation).
The radiation oncology center at the CCC, where I was treated, had a separate entrance for radiation patients and signs all over requesting that sick persons wear masks, or better yet, not be there.
It's up to you to protect your health.
