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Information for people with cancer

Not all cancers are considered risk factors for being infected with influenza or getting severely sick from influenza. This is the same for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.

However, if your cancer affects your immune system or if you are having cancer treatment that affects your immune system (e.g. chemotherapy), this can increase your risk of being infected with any virus – including influenza. Having a weakened immune system will also make it harder for your body to fight off the infection.

If you’re not sure whether you are at risk or not, ask your specialist or GP.

How likely am I to have severe illness from this new virus?

Most people with cancer who get sick with pandemic influenza will have mild symptoms and recover within a week. This is especially so if they seek medical care early if they develop a fever AND cough and/or sore throat.

Seek medical care early

If you have cancer and get sick with flu symptoms, you may be offered antivirals to help you get better quickly. Antivirals must be started within 48 hours of the start of illness for them to work properly, and the sooner they are started, the better.

Phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC). You will be put through to a Registered Nurse who will assess you over the phone and advise what to do and where to go for face-to-face assessment if necessary.

Alternatively, phone your doctor. If you cannot get an appointment within 24 hours, phone 1800 358 362.

How can I protect myself?

If you're having cancer treatment, there are common sense steps you can take to help protect yourself during this pandemic. Key things are:

washing your hands often
keeping away from people who may have the virus (this could include avoiding crowds)
knowing the signs of flu
seeking medical care early if you start to feel unwell with a fever AND cough and/or sore throat.

How to reduce the risk of getting flu

Wash and dry your hands often, with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub. Flu viruses can survive up to 48 hours on surfaces and can spread through hand contact. Always wash your hands before touching your face (especially nose, mouth and eyes) or anything that goes in your mouth. 80% of infectious diseases are spread by hand.
Keep your distance. The flu virus can spread easily from an infected person even before they realise they are sick. Try to keep a very large step from others at work and in public. Try to avoid crowded places.
Stay away from anyone you know who has a flu-like illness. If you are at high risk of severe illness from pandemic flu and need to be within a metre (a very large step) of someone who has a flu-like illness, ask them to wear a surgical face mask. If they can’t, wear one yourself. Masks are available from most chemists.
Know the signs of flu: sudden onset of fever with a cough and/or sore throat. Flu makes you feel sick all over, while a cold is generally focussed on your head and throat.
Seek medical care early if you get sick. Phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC) or your doctor. You may be offered antivirals but these must be started within 48 hours of the start of your illness for them to work properly.
Stop smoking. Smoking will increase your risk of severe illness from influenza.

Need an interpreter?

Use an ordinary phone to call TIS (131 450), ask TIS to call 1800 358 362.

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Information for people with cancer (PDF, 795.7 kb)