The signs of infection
Most patients who are being treated for cancer have weakened immune systems (the body system that
fights infection) because of their diseases. Treatments, such as chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs)
and radiation therapy, can also affect the immune system. At times your child will not be able to fight
infection well and could become seriously ill as a result. For this reason, it is important that we work
together to limit or prevent the causes of infection. We must always be looking for signs of infection in
your child.
Signs of infection
Whether you are in the hospital, the clinic or at home, tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice
these signs of a possible infection in your child:
•
Fever
~ An oral temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C) or higher OR
~ An under-the-arm (axillary) temperature of 99.4 degrees F (37.4 degrees C) or higher
~ Fever is usually a sign of infection; it may be the only sign. (For more information, see “GREAT
information ... How to take a temperature.”)
•
Coughing or fast breathing
•
Runny nose
•
Loose bowels
•
Stomach pain
•
Headache and stiff neck
•
Blisters, rash or skin sores
•
Earache
•
Sore throat
•
Sores or pain around the rectum
If your child develops an infection while his or her white blood cell count is low, the usual warning
signs such as pus (or drainage), redness and swelling may not always be present. A tiny bump could
mean something is wrong.
If you have more questions about the signs of infection or how to protect your child from infection, talk
to your doctor or nurse.
Adapted with permission from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Revised 8/04
UC Davis Cancer Center 12/06
w w w. u c d m c . u c d a v i s . e d u / c a n c e r
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