Download Flu-like symptoms from certain cancer therapies

Flu-like symptoms from certain
cancer therapies
Flu-like symptoms are quite common while you are undergoing certain cancer therapies. That’s why it’s important to
know how to handle them. This handout may help you identify and manage flu-like symptoms should they occur.
How can flu-like symptoms from certain
cancer therapies affect you?
Many
cancer patients
experience
flu-like
symptoms
Flu-like symptoms may occur as a side effect of some cancer treatments. The
reasons you may have flu-like symptoms while you are on some cancer therapies
may not be known.
Remember, flu-like symptoms are a side effect. They are not used to measure the
helpfulness of a certain cancer treatment. It is always important to let your
health care providers know about all side effects that you may have, including
flu-like symptoms.
What are flu-like symptoms?
Your experience with flu-like symptoms may be different from the experiences
of everyone else. Your symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to a
few days. These symptoms may feel random or follow a pattern. There is also a
chance that you will not have flu-like symptoms at all.
You can have flu-like symptoms without having the flu. These symptoms
may include the following:
Headache: A headache is a pain that you may feel in your forehead or directly
behind your eyes. You may have vision difficulties, such as sensitivity to light.
Headaches also tend to vary from mild to strong.
Fever: A fever is when your body temperature is over 102.2oF. One sign of a
fever is when you start to feel chills. Please see the important note below
about fever as it may be a sign that something is out of the ordinary with
your body.*
Chills: You will often have chills before a fever, or possibly with a headache.
Chills can come and go until you get a fever.
Joint pain: An aching sensation that builds around your joints. You may notice
swelling along with throbbing pain.
Muscle pain: Discomfort that builds in the large muscle groups, such as your
chest or legs.
Fatigue: Fatigue is when you feel tired or have a lack of energy when it comes to
completing tasks.
Cough: A cough that is persistent, dry, and hacking.
What else can cause flu-like symptoms?
Cancer treatment isn’t the only cause of flu-like symptoms. They may also occur
because of an infection affecting the body’s immune system. Infections may
cause your body temperature to rise to try to kill any invading germs. If you think
you have an infection, contact your doctor right away.
*Fever can also be a sign of a serious complication, such as an infection. Consult your physician
immediately because there may be reason for concern.
Flu-like symptoms from certain
cancer therapies
What can I do?
By now you can identify flu-like symptoms and understand why they may occur.
Remember, these symptoms are common for those undergoing cancer treatments.
Knowing how to manage these symptoms may make a big difference.
Here are some tips that may help you manage flu-like symptoms should
they occur:
Rest
is key!
• If possible, schedule therapy for just before bedtime or in the evening if therapy
can only be administered in your doctor’s office.
• Ask your doctor about taking acetaminophen to ease flu-like symptoms.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Please see the important note below
about how much to drink.*
• Try to get plenty of rest.
If you have a fever, you may want to stay cool without becoming too chilled.
Try acetaminophen, removing layers of blankets and clothing, or maybe even
a warm sponge bath.
If you have body aches, you may want to try gently stretching or using heat
and ice packs. Spoiling yourself with a warm bubble bath can also be a great idea.
If you have a headache, try identifying what caused it so you can avoid
that trigger.
If you’re suffering from a severe cough, be sure to drink plenty of water.
This may help keep your throat moist.
If you’re feeling fatigued, laughing may help by boosting your morale.
Flu-like symptoms and you.
Don’t be discouraged if flu-like symptoms happen to you. They can be a common
occurrence with cancer therapy and often don’t last long. If your body is ill, take
some time and listen to its needs. Maybe the best solution is doing something you
enjoy or taking some personal time. These little breaks can be just enough to help
you feel better.
Contact your health care provider.
Contact your health care provider for individualized information about your
therapy, including some of the symptoms you may experience that could affect
fluid levels, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Your health care provider should be
your primary source of information about your medical condition and treatment.
*Be sure to check with your health care provider to
find out the amount of fluid that’s appropriate for
you. You may need more or less fluid depending
on other conditions, such as your general health
and your environment.
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