Washing hands well and often is essential in protecting against infection while on treatment

It might sound like a small thing, but washing hands can make a big difference for your health right now.

Protecting yourself from infections
When you’re on chemotherapy, your immune system isn’t as strong as usual. This means your body has a harder time fighting off germs and infections. By washing your hands regularly, you’re helping to keep germs away and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Keeping your treatment on track
Getting an infection could mean extra hospital visits or even delaying your chemo treatments. Staying healthy and infection-free helps you stick to your treatment schedule, which is super important for your recovery.

Easy and fffective
Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself. It’s quick and doesn’t require any special equipment—just soap and water.

You should wash your hands:

  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After using the bathroom
  • After touching animals
  • After touching things that might be dirty, like doorknobs or your phone
  • After being around people who are sick

To make sure you’re doing it right, here are some steps to follow:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Hand sanitizer
When soap and water aren’t available, an effective hand sanitizer is a good backup. Just rub it all over your hands until they feel dry.

Washing your hands might seem like a tiny action, but it’s a powerful way to protect yourself while you’re undergoing chemo. It’s something you can easily do to take control and help keep yourself safe and healthy.

If friends or family members have infections such as colds, the flu, or chickenpox, they should skip visiting until they’re feeling better. It’s also a good idea to avoid crowds. While many things may seem out of your control regarding your treatment, washing your hands is a proactive way to take control of your chemo journey!