Flu Information for Families and Caregivers of Cancer Patients and Survivors

People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into their lungs. Siendo algo poco frecuente, una persona también puede llegar a contraer la influenza si toca una superficie o un objeto contaminado con el virus de la influenza y se toca luego la boca o la nariz.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning the day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after becoming sick. Esto quiere decir que usted puede contagiar la influenza a otra persona antes de saber que está enfermo y también mientras lo está. For more information, learn How Flu Spreads.

Since cancer patients and survivors are at higher risk for complications from the flu, including hospitalization and death, please take the following precautions to help avoid spreading the flu.

• Vacúnese contra la flu shot. Los CDC le recomiendan la vacunación anual contra la influenza como el primer paso y el más importante para protegerse contra los virus de la influenza.
• Ayuda stop the spread of germs by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands or using hand sanitizer often, avoiding close contact with sick people, and limiting contact with others as much as possible if you get sick.

If you are caring for a cancer patient or survivor who has the flu, please visit Cuidar a una persona enferma for detailed information about how to care for the sick person while avoiding getting sick yourself.

If you have a child with cancer, read Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions [PDF-164KB].