While it is a good idea for everyone to take care to wash hands more regularly and to avoid exposing you if they are feeling unwell, experts note: "You are most likely to become unwell from bugs you carry around with you normally, not from catching someone else's. This means that you don't have to avoid your family, friends or children when you are sent home after chemotherapy."
In addition to taking good precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to germs, resting may also help keep you well. Many people can anecdotally recall that they get sick more often when they are very stressed. Medical studies on the effects of stress on the immune system are inconclusive, "There is some scientific evidence that stress does weaken our immunity...While no one knows whether strengthening immunity can help to cure cancer, most doctors and nurses agree that reducing stress is a good thing to do."
So what to the experts at Cancer Help suggest to help your immune system? In addition to rest, they recommend eating a balanced diet including fresh foods.
So when you're in the kitchen...
- Try to cook with fresh vegetables, organic if possible
- Try to use a combination of fresh vegetables to maximize nutrients, for example, blend several vegetables together in a soup
- Wash your hands regularly and well
- It is probably a good idea to avoid unpasturized foods
Want to know more? See Cancer Help.
