Spotting the signs of infection

In the latest issue of Lymphoma Matters, we included an article, Infections: risk and prevention, outlining why people with lymphoma may be at an increased risk of developing an infection and giving some tips on how people can lower their risk of infection. 

With so many infections around at the moment, it seems timely to remind people about the symptoms of infection and what they should do if they think they might have one.

Symptoms of infection

The exact symptoms infections cause are often limited to the parts of the body that are affected. For example, colds affect the airways and cause a runny nose. A stomach bug that affects the digestive tract (gastroenteritis) causes sickness and diarrhoea. Your medical team can advise you about any that you should be particularly aware of, including any that are not listed below.

Common symptoms and signs of infection include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following:

•    temperature above 38°C/100.4°F (fever)
•    temperature below 35°C/95°F (hypothermia) 
•    pain, redness, discharge, swelling or heat at the site of a wound or intravenous (IV) line 
•    chills and sweating
•    shivering (evenwith no fever, which can be more likely if you’re taking steroid med)
•    feeling generally unwell, confused or disoriented
•    blocked nose, earache, sore throat or mouth, earache
•    cough, yellow or green phlegm or snot (mucus), difficulty breathing
•    diarrhoea 
•    vomiting
•    a feeling of burning or stinging when you wee, or needing to wee more often than usual
•    vaginal discharge or itching
•    headaches or unusual and new stiffness of the neck, with discomfort around bright lights
•    new and increasing pain anywhere in the body.

Keep a thermometer so that you can easily check your temperature. Seek medical advice promptly if you have a raised temperature, especially if you have other symptoms of infection as well. Some of the symptoms could be caused by lymphoma or its treatment, but it is important to seek medical attention early.

Some infections can cause more serious problems by getting into the bloodstream. This is known as sepsis and affects the whole body. It causes symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headaches, aches and pains. 

What should I do if I think I might have an infection?

Contact your GP or a member of your medical team immediately if you have any possible symptoms or signs of infection, even if you think they might be minor. Don’t wait to see if they worsen. This is because infection can be serious for people who have lymphoma. The risk is further heightened if you have neutropenia. You might need urgent medical attention, so seek medical attention as soon as you can.

If you’re advised to go to hospital, go immediately. Prompt medical attention means you can get any tests and treatment such as antibiotics that you might need quickly. This can prevent any issues from becoming more serious.

Your medical team should give you telephone numbers to call at any time. This includes during the night and over weekends. If you haven’t been given this information, ask your consultant or clinical nurse specialist for it. 

You might be interested in reading our 'Top Tips' where our Facebook community share their tips for avoiding infection.