Care Tips For Cancer Patients to Stay Healthy This Winter

With the onset of winters, the queries about winter care are what I get asked the most. Cold winter weather can be uncomfortable, but for people undergoing cancer treatment, it can present some serious challenges. If you have cancer, you are at risk for the same cold weather problems as other people, but your chances of getting sick are greater.

It’s important for cancer patients to understand the prevention of infections year-round, however, it becomes all the more crucial in the winter months, as they face an additional infection risk of influenza or flu. Patients receiving chemotherapy are vulnerable to infections when their white blood cell count is low. Because of the weakened immune systems, a flu could lead to complications like pneumonia, a disruption to their chemotherapy schedules and hospitalization.

Here are some suggested tips that can help cancer patients stay healthy as the winter weather continues.

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, and encourage everyone you come into contact with to wash their hands as well. If you don't have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer, but make sure that it contains 60% alcohol. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Avoid being around people who are sick. Be extra careful when handling, preparing, and storing food, and wash the counter or surface where you prepare your food with hot soapy water or antibacterial cleanser.

Get the flu shot (not the nasal spray vaccine): It is your best protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that cancer patients undergoing treatment and cancer survivors receive an annual influenza vaccine. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the influenza vaccine. Your family, friends, and caregivers, including children, should also get the influenza vaccine if you see them frequently so that they can’t give you the flu.

Avoid Extreme Cold Temperatures: Some medications, conditions, and side effects caused by cancer treatment, such as dehydration, can interfere with your body's temperature, and people who are less active can have reduced blood flow. In addition, cancer treatments can affect your nerves, making you less sensitive to extreme temperatures. These put you at risk for hypothermia (Abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite (Injury caused by freezing). You can avoid hypothermia and frostbite by spending less time outside when the temperatures are near freezing or if there are high winds or rain.

Stay Hydrated: Sweating is a side effect of some cancer treatments. If you sweat a lot, change your wet clothes and bed sheets often to stay warm and dry. During winters, it is important to stay hydrated, so remember to drink lots of water. If you aren't a fan of plain water, try drinking flavoured water or herbal tea.

Take Vitamin D Supplements: Radiation therapy and some chemotherapy also affect your bones, so you may be at higher risk of breaking a bone if you fall. To stay strong, bones need vitamin D and calcium. Sunshine is one of the best sources of vitamin D and you only need to spend about 10 to 15 minutes outside to get the recommended amount of vitamin D. You can also eat foods that are fortified with vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin supplement if you don't think you are getting enough vitamin D.

Take Care of Your Skin: Cancer treatments may make your skin dry, itchy, and cracked, which is worse in the winter because the humidity level drops. Use a moisturizer frequently and if your lips are also dry and cracked, apply lip balm. Use gentle soaps and laundry detergents and avoid long, hot baths and showers. Consider using a humidifier.

What other precautions can cancer patients take?

Dress in warm layers. Wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth before you head out into the cold to avoid any breathing problems. Wear a hat/cap that covers your ears, and put on heavy gloves or mittens to protect your fingers. Wear shoes or boots with good treads.
Treat a fever as an emergency and call your doctor right away if you develop a fever (>100.4).
Talk to your healthcare provider for other precautions based upon your particular situation (the type of cancer and treatment).

Much of what you need to do to protect your health is common sense, but the key is to make these strategies part of your regimen during the winter.