FLU SEASON

Flu season is in full swing.

Flu season starts in the fall and ends in the spring — and people with chronic health conditions, such as cancer, are at a higher risk of getting the flu. Fortunately, many of the preventative measures that you can take against this contagious respiratory illness are the same for cancer patients as they are for others.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants, have fragile immune systems, making them more susceptible to the flu. Adults 65 years of age and older are also more susceptible, as well as those who have medical conditions including kidney and liver disorders. Similarly, people who have had certain types of cancer in the past, such as leukemia and lymphoma, are also at high risk for complications from the flu.

Signs and symptoms

Unlike the common cold, influenza usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms of the flu include:

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Tiredness

Vomiting and diarrhea (occasionally)

Not everyone with the flu will get a fever, however.

People with the flu are most contagious the first three to four days after their illness begins, but people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients receiving treatment, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.