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Immunity and infection prevention

What to do if you suspect infection

The main article (“Fever: when to seek urgent care”) explains how to recognise infection. This topic is a practical action plan: what to do, step by step, from the first suspicion to arriving at hospital.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A sheet with icons on a fridge.
Figure 1.The plan is visible on the fridge.

01Short answer

Preparing in advance is the best protection. Get a written plan from your team: which signs and what temperature mean you should call, which number to use day and night, and which hospital to go to. If you suspect infection: (1) measure and write down your temperature; (2) do not take fever-lowering medicine; (3) call your team and tell them your diagnosis, the date of your last chemotherapy and whether you have a catheter; (4) follow their instructions; often you need to come to hospital straight away. A ready bag with your medicine list, fever card and phone charger saves time. In the emergency department, say straight away that you have neutropenia.

02Simple explanation

Get the plan in advance.

Measure, call, go.

Say “I have neutropenia”.

03Scientific explanation

What to tell them: diagnosis, date of last treatment, ANC if known, catheter, allergies; this speeds up triage.

While waiting: in the emergency department it helps to sit away from other patients and wear a mask.

04What happens in the body?

A plan on the fridge

Keep the plan where it can be seen so your family knows it too.

A ready bag

A bag with your medicine list and fever card saves time.

A packed bag by the door.
Figure 2.A ready bag by the door.

A clear call

Short, precise information helps your team decide quickly.

Calm hands holding a phone.
Figure 3.A clear call to the team.

05From suspicion to hospital

Four steps.

Notice — Spot the sign.1NoticeSpot the sign.
Measure — Write down the temperature.2MeasureWrite down the temperature.
Call — Tell your team.3CallTell your team.
Go — Leave with your bag.4GoLeave with your bag.

06What to say when you call

InformationWhy
DiagnosisTo assess risk
Date of last treatmentLikelihood of neutropenia
Temperature and signsTo judge urgency
Catheter/portA possible source
AllergiesChoosing an antibiotic

07Key terms

Action plan
Written rules on when and how to seek help.
Fever card
A card showing your diagnosis and risk.
Triage
Setting priorities.
Contact number
Your team’s day-and-night number.
Medicine list
All the medicines you take.

08Key points

  • Get the plan in advance.
  • Measure and write down your temperature.
  • Do not hide a fever.
  • Call your team quickly.
  • Keep your bag ready.
  • Mention neutropenia straight away.

09Frequently asked questions

What if my team does not answer?

Go to the emergency department or call an ambulance.

Can I go by taxi?

If there are no severe signs, yes; with severe signs, call an ambulance.

Is it the same for my child?

Yes; the children’s team will give its own threshold.

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. What if my team does not answer?

  2. Can I go by taxi?

  3. Is it the same for my child?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. American Cancer Society. Infections in People with Cancer
  3. NHS. Sepsis
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER Training. Thymus
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER Training. Tonsils
  6. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2010. Chaplin DD. Overview of the immune response
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER Training. Components of the Lymphatic System
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: lymph
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: lymphadenopathy
  10. Cancer Research UK. The lymphatic system and cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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