Why a person who is going through chemotherapy must be away from sick people?

Answer 1

Because of the compromised immune system of someone on chemotherapy they are more susceptible to infections and germs. Unfortunately these infections are the cause of a lot of hospitalizations and deaths, cancer doesn't kill them but what can be a little cold to someone that is normally healthy and not on chemo can be deadly for someone that is.

Answer 2

A chemotherapy patient only needs to stay away from sick people (more so than everyone should) if their white blood count is low enough that they will have trouble fighting off an infection. Every time a patient goes into the oncologist (or almost every time) they will have labs done to check their counts and the doctor will tell you if your counts are at that point.

Some patient's counts get so low that they have to wear masks when in the clinic or other places where they might encounter sick people. (To help prevent them being exposed to viruses, bacteria and fungus)

Also, anyone that goes through high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell or bone marrow transplant gets to wear the mask for a couple of months and can't be around sick people for up to a year. All of their bone marrow (including the white blood cells that are in there) is destroyed by the chemo and the transplant is so they can "regrow" their marrow. They essentially have no immunue system for several days and a compromised one for a very long time.

Answer 3

Not everyone who goes through chemotherapy needs to be away from sick people.

When you get chemotherapy it's a drug or drugs that are used to get rid of cancer cells in the body. Cancer cells are rapidly multiplying cells; however, you have many cells in your body that are rapidly multiplying...and unfortunately, the chemo will attack these also.

Sometimes the chemo will attack the blood cells in your body that help you to fight off infections. When this happens, you don't have enough of these blood cells in your body to fight off infections that other people may give you if you are sick so then you will need to stay away from those sick people for awhile...only until your body can make some more new infection fighting cells.

Your doctors will know when this is by blood tests.

Answer 4

Chemotherapy and radiation are not the same thing. Chemotherapy lowers a person's resistance to viruses and bacteria, making it easier for the person to catch a cold or other contagious illness. When I was on chemo. some of the things I was advised to do included: wash my hands often, avoid touching my eyes or mouth, limit contact with other people, especially kids that are school-age or who attend daycare. Ialso did not eat or drink after others, eat food from a buffet, or shave with a razor blade (to avoid risk of infection from a cut).

Answer 5

It is sad but this is the 21st century and we are still using chemo as the most sufficent temporary treatment for cancer. Chemo destroys you. it is the worst experience anyone could go through and I wish no one every has to go through it. Recently, I went to Mayo Clinic, as well as have a surgery from one of the best doctors in the United States.. I had to stay in the hospital in a contanted room for weeks because any little sneeze or cough I would pick up immediatly. Chemo patients loose all of there red/white blood cells and antibodies that would normally help us fight infection. If we do catch a cold or another illnesses it normally leads into something worse and perhaps death.

Answer 6

Chemotherapy compromises the body's immune system, making the patient much more vulnerable to sickness or infection.

Answer 7

Because the radiation not only destroys the tumor but also greatly affects the immune system, especially if it is chemotherapy specifically for Leukemia. They are not as able to fight off everyday illnesses.

Answer 8

My sister in law just finished treatment for cancer five months ago. We could not see her for many months except when she was in town for her treatments and then she wore a surgical mask. Her immune system was basically wiped out by the chemo and even the slightest virus or cold could have killed her. I am most grateful and pleased to say she has been given a clean bill of health and is cancer free. I do not know if you are close to someone who is ill,but I send prayers and all my best for a swift recovery. Take care ~A~

Answer 9

The reason is that a person going through Chemo normally has a weak immune system and they are very susceptible to contact other sickness very easily. Their white blood cell levels drop when going through Chemo. White blood cells are needed to protect our systems from illnesses and diseases. I hope this helps.

Answer 10

Chemotherapy can often suppress a person's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.