When you’re going through any type of chemotherapy for cancer, there are precautions you should take to ensure your family and/or caregivers are as safe as possible from exposure during your treatment. Chemotherapy not only increases your chances for infection, but can put others who have daily contact or live in your home at higher risk of getting sick themselves – in addition to being exposed to the same chemicals that are in your drugs.
While you should talk to your healthcare team about precautions from hazardous materials, the following tips can help those around you stay safe and reduce the risk of getting an infection during your chemotherapy treatment.
Keep your bathrooms as clean as possible
Your care team will explain how the chemotherapy drugs leave your body, much of which happens during the first 48 to 72 hours post-treatment. Waste will typically escape your body through urine, stools, tears, sweat, and/or vomit. The drugs may also be present in your blood. If you share a toilet with family members, make sure to flush twice after using it and keep the lid down to avoid splashing while flushing. Remember to keep the lid down in case you have pets tempted by toilet water.
Wash clothes and linens as their own loads.
Whether your sheets, towels, and clothing are soiled or not, it’s best to wash everything separately. If you’re not washing things right away, seal them in a plastic bag rather than putting them in a hamper. If you’re considering throwing soiled items away – including underwear or sanitary pads – secure them in two plastic bags before you dispose of them in a trashcan.
Ask caregivers to wear gloves
If caregivers, friends, or family members need to clean the bathroom or any bodily fluids, they should always wear two sets of latex gloves and throw them away immediately afterward. If they come in contact with any bodily fluids, they should immediately wash their hands with soap and warm water, and then dry them with a disposable towel. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regular “plain” soap is just as effective as over-the-counter antibacterial soap, so don’t worry too much about what kind of soap you have in the house – just have it on hand.
Proper handwashing should be protocol during this period, so make sure everyone does so when they enter or before they leave your home. If a loved one or caregiver needs guidance on how to thoroughly wash their hands, Medical News Today has a helpful step-by-step diagram they can follow.
Make rules for entering the house
Ask visitors and family members entering the house to remove their shoes and wash their hands with soap and warm water when they come in, so they don’t bring in any unnecessary germs when they visit. If someone isn’t feeling well, ask them to stay home until they’re better – especially during the first 72 hours after your treatment.
If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
