8 Important Reasons Cancer Patients Need a Flu Shot During Flu Season.
Influenza (flu) season is here, and it’s more important than ever to protect yourself, especially if you’re undergoing cancer treatment. Your immune system is already working overtime, making it harder to fight off infections like the flu.
But there is a simple, powerful step you can take to protect yourself: get the flu shot. Here are eight important reasons why you need the flu vaccine and how it can help you stay healthier during flu season.
1. Cancer patients are at higher risk for complications from the flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause a few weeks of feeling very sick for most people. But for cancer patients, it can lead to serious health problems.
“It can be harder than normal for your body to get rid of an infection while undergoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation,” said Lisa Thompson, PharmD, pharmacy clinical coordinator supervisor with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center.
If you get the flu, you can get very sick, end up in the hospital or even face life-threatening complications.
2. How the flu vaccine works
The flu vaccine helps your body build defenses against the flu virus. It teaches your immune system to recognize and fight the flu. By getting the flu shot, you boost your body’s ability to defend itself, which is important when cancer treatments already temporarily weaken your immune system.
3. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe for you
“In general, you should not get a live virus vaccine while on cancer treatment because your immune system is low,” Dr. Thompson said. “This makes it hard for your body to work with the vaccine and can make you sick.”
Inactive flu shots contain a killed virus, which cannot cause the flu. This makes them safe for people with weakened immune systems.
In almost every case, getting the vaccine is the right thing. However, talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or getting any vaccine while undergoing cancer treatment.
4. Timing is key
Getting the flu shot at the right time is very important. The best time to get the flu shot is before flu season starts, usually in the fall. It takes about two weeks for your body to build up full protection after getting the shot. But talk to your cancer care team to find out the best time.
“You will want to make sure your immune system is not low so your body can make antibodies against the virus and give you protection if exposed to the virus in the future,” Dr. Thompson said. “Often, it is recommended to get the flu shot about five to seven days before your chemotherapy infusion when your immune system is strong.”
5. Clearing up myths
Some people worry about getting the flu shot because of myths they’ve heard. One common myth is that flu shots can give you the flu. This is not true. The inactivated flu vaccine can’t cause the flu.
“Getting the flu shot helps reduce your risk of infection, which can help keep your cancer treatment on schedule and provide the best treatment outcome,” Dr. Thompson said.
Another myth is that the flu shot doesn’t work well. While it’s not perfect, the flu shot greatly lowers the risk of getting the flu and makes the illness less severe if you do get it.
6. Protecting loved ones
When you are undergoing treatment, it’s not just about protecting yourself. Your loved ones should also get the flu shot to help protect you. When they are vaccinated, they are less likely to bring the flu into the home, reducing their risk of getting sick. This is important if there are young children, older adults, or others with weak immune systems in your household.
7. The benefits are greater than the risks
Like any medical treatment, there are some risks with flu shots. Like anyone, you may experience some minor side effects from the flu shot, but the benefits are much greater – especially for cancer patients.
“The side effects of the flu shot are generally mild and may include local pain at the injection site, headache, low-grade fever, chills, and body aches,” Dr. Thompsons said.
If your provider has said it’s okay to take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, you can. Rest is the most important thing to help your body recover. Contact your provider if the side effects last longer than 24-48 hours.
8. Simple tips for flu season
Besides getting the flu shot, you can do other simple things to stay healthy during flu season and while you undergo cancer treatments:
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid crowds: Try to stay away from crowded places where the flu virus can spread easily.
- Stay away from sick people: If someone around you is sick, keep your distance. Be extra careful if a family member is ill.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.
