People at increased risk

Cancer may increase the risk of flu complications. People with cancer now or have had certain types of cancer in the past (such as lymphoma or leukemia), are at increased risk of developing flu complications that can be serious.

Vaccination is the best protection against flu

The best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications is for everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. It is especially important for people with cancer to get vaccinated since they are at a higher risk of experiencing complications if they become ill from flu.

Injectable influenza vaccines (or flu shots) are recommended for use in people with cancer and other health conditions. Flu shots have a long, established safety record and are safe for people with cancer.

It is also important for people who live with or care for cancer patients to be vaccinated against seasonal flu. This may reduce the risk of getting the cancer patient sick.

You may need a pneumococcal shot, too

• Having flu increases your risk of getting pneumococcal disease.

• Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death.

• People with cancer and other diseases that compromise the immune system also should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination.

• You can get the pneumococcal vaccine your provider recommends when you get a flu vaccine.

• Talk to your health care provider to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you.

Treatment

People with cancer should call their doctor immediately if they get a fever. Fever can be a sign that a person with cancer has flu or other illness; fever can occur after a vaccination or occur for other reasons. Plan in advance with your doctor about what to do if you get sick. CDC recommends you take flu antiviral drugs to treat flu illness, if your doctor prescribes them. Ask your doctor if you should receive flu antiviral drugs if you have been in contact with someone known or thought to have flu and you have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the last month, or you have a blood or lymphatic form of cancer.