Stopping an infection is a prime precedence in case your immune system has been weakened by most cancers or its therapy. Winter poses new challenges. Outdoors, shorter days imply much less daylight, single-digit temperatures and low humidity. Inside isn’t significantly better: closed home windows and insulation entice dry, overheated air and germs in the home. Inside or out, winter may cause well being points for most cancers survivors.

Shield your self from flu, COVID and different diseases

Winter is flu season, and lately COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also on the rise. In case you have not already finished so, speak to your physician about whether or not vaccinations or booster photographs could profit you. In case your situation prevents you from getting immunized, ensure these round you get vaccinated. Keep in mind to advocate in your personal well being and security. If buddies or household should not feeling effectively, ask them to postpone their go to! That is extraordinarily vital. What could be an annoying sniffle to them might be fairly harmful to you. In case your caregiver or a family member will get sick, contact your physician.

Your pores and skin is a barrier to an infection

Your pores and skin is your first line of protection towards an infection. Chilly, dry winter air causes pores and skin to crack, which provides germs a means in and makes you extra vulnerable to an infection. It is vital to maintain your pores and skin clear and moisturized. Bathe usually, pat your self dry with clear towels and gown in clear garments. Wash your fingers with heat soapy water for no less than 20 seconds after utilizing the toilet, blowing your nostril, protecting your mouth throughout a cough and after they get dirty. Hand sanitizer is efficient when fingers should not visibly dirty. Rub sanitizer over your complete floor of each fingers till it dries. Handwashing and sanitizers could be very drying to your pores and skin, so take a bit of further care in the course of the winter months.

Find out how to forestall and alleviate dry pores and skin

• When bathing, don’t use steaming scorching water.
• Use plain cleaning soap. Antimicrobial soaps are drying and plain cleaning soap is simply as efficient for stopping sickness.
• Use a superb moisturizer – usually. Over-the-counter moisturizers may fit positive. In case you have allergy symptoms or different considerations, seek the advice of your pharmacist.
  • Keep away from drying substances like alcohols and acids. (Sanitizers with 60% alcohol are really useful to kill the virus that causes COVID, so make sure to moisturize effectively or wash with cleaning soap as an alternative of sanitizer.)
  • Apply moisturizers after bathing or washing fingers, whereas your pores and skin continues to be damp. This locks in moisture.
  • Use heavy, oil-based lotions on drier areas, akin to legs, fingers and toes, however it’s possible you’ll want one thing lighter/water-based in your face.
  • Don’t share your moisturizer.
  • Eliminate moisturizers after three months. Don’t add extra moisturizer to an previous container.

Ideas for holding pores and skin wholesome Caring for Dry Pores and skin

Meals security tips to remain wholesome

What you eat and the way it’s ready can have a serious affect in your well being. Following some easy meals security tips may help hold you wholesome and keep away from foodborne diseases, permitting you to relaxation and get better by the lengthy winter months. In case you are neutropenic (have a really low white blood cell rely), make sure to observe the rules your physician or nurse offers. As well as, make sure to:

• Examine the ‘use by’ and expiration dates on meals and ensure the packaging is undamaged. Do not use meals with a damaged seal or a dented can.
• Use clear towels, sponges or paper towels to wash work surfaces, chopping boards and utensils.
• Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs or cookie dough.
• Scrub and rinse contemporary vegatables and fruits beneath working water.
• Comply with security ideas on this booklet, Meals Security for Older Adults and Folks with Most cancers

This text was supplied by Roswell Park’s Affected person Training Division.