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Medical glossary

Infection

An infection is when bacteria, viruses or fungi enter the body and multiply. In leukaemia the risk of infection is high.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hands being washed under running water at a sink
Figure 1.Hand hygiene protects against infection

01Short answer

Reasons for the risk include low neutrophils, the effect of chemotherapy on the lining of the mouth and gut, catheters and medicines that weaken immunity. Prevention includes hand hygiene, catheter care, food safety, preventive medicines your doctor prescribes and a vaccination plan. Redness, swelling or discharge at the catheter, fever, cough or burning when passing urine: tell your team.

02Simple explanation

Microbes.

High risk.

Prevention.

Report signs.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: an infection is the entry and growth of microorganisms in the body.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Where it starts

Mouth, skin, catheter, lungs and urinary tract.

Hand hygiene
Figure 2.Hand hygiene — Infection

Vaccinations

Your doctor decides which and when.

Catheter care
Figure 3.Catheter care — Infection

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Where it startsMouth, skin, catheter, lungs and urinary tract.
VaccinationsYour doctor decides which and when.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Pathogen
A microbe that causes disease.
Preventive medicine
A medicine that helps prevent infection.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Are pets a danger?

Some rules are needed; ask your team.

Can I have vaccinations?

Only according to your doctor's plan.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are pets a danger?

  2. Can I have vaccinations?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neutropenia
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: complete blood count
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine
  7. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cure
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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