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Strengthening the immune system is extremely important for patients undergoing cancer treatment. When the body's protective barrier is strengthened, it will greatly help patients prevent the risk of infection and other dangerous diseases. Moreover, when the immune system is improved, it also helps patients "fight" better with melanoma.
1.Using immune boosters
To strengthen the body's immune system, cancer patients should talk to their doctor about drugs that can prevent infection or help improve resistance. In cases where the patient is at high risk of infection, the doctor may prescribe monoclonal growth promoting factors (CSFs). CSF is usually given as an injection or a skin patch to boost the immune system for cancer patients. This drug not only helps promote the growth of blood cells, but also limits the risk of infection.
However, the use of immune-boosting drugs for cancer patients also has the potential to cause temporary side effects. In cases where the patient's immune system is too weak, the doctor may recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics. These medications include antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial drugs. Ideally, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks of using these medications.
2. Get a flu shot every year
An annual flu shot can help cancer patients prevent the risk of getting the flu, a disease that seriously affects the health of the body's immune system. As recommended by the American Cancer Society, patients should consult with their doctor about the best time of year to get a flu shot. However, cancer patients should avoid using the nasal spray flu vaccine.
In addition, some vaccines may not be safe for patients with weakened immune systems. Therefore, you also need to talk with your doctor to choose the safest vaccine.
3. Boost your immune system with a nutritious diet
Another important way to help strengthen the immune system against cancer is to build a diet full of essential nutrient groups for the body. Poor nutrition has the potential to weaken the immune system and increase the risk of other serious illnesses. Therefore, doctors often recommend cancer patients to eat enough calories as well as other nutrients to meet the body's nutritional needs.
One of the nutrients that are evaluated to have the ability to improve resistance very effectively is vitamin C. This is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful molecules that cause cell damage, also known as free radicals. In addition, vitamin C helps stimulate the growth of white blood cells and antibodies that help fight infections.
The human body usually cannot make vitamin C on its own, so you can get them from everyday foods. Some foods rich in vitamin C that cancer patients should add to their daily menu, including oranges, tangerines, lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers,...
Besides, the serving size A cancer patient's diet should also include other foods that help strengthen the body's immune system, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, garlic, Brussels sprouts, onions or scallions. In addition, protein is also an important component in the diet for cancer patients. Both plant and animal proteins work to build cells and repair damaged tissues, so they have a role in attacking and defending "invaders" from outside the body.
Most cancer patients after treatment have problems with eating and digestion, such as decreased appetite, loss of appetite or vomiting. Therefore, eating also becomes more difficult and easily causes a deficiency of nutrients that are beneficial for strengthening the immune system. To minimize these conditions, patients should choose soft foods, easy to swallow and varied menu. If necessary, the patient can supplement nutrition through the intravenous line.
4. Frequent hand washing helps protect and strengthen immunity
Good hand hygiene is important for cancer patients, especially when the immune system is weakened. You can reduce your odds of getting sick by washing your hands often with warm water or soap, especially in the following situations:
Before eating, touching your face or blowing your nose. After being in public places or in contact with someone who is sick. After using the bathroom, touch garbage or handle animal waste or products. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands when soap or water isn't available. It's also important to shower regularly and brush your teeth every day to prevent other health risks.
5.Minimize contact with sick people
One of the ways to protect the immune system for cancer patients is to try to avoid contact with people who are sick with flu, fever or other infections. If someone in the family is sick, the cancer patient should:
Avoid spending too long in the same room with them. Do not share personal items with them, such as towels or pillows. Wash any objects or surfaces they have touched. Wash your hands often with soap or water. Not only that, you should also avoid being in crowded places. Some people in the crowd are likely to have the virus or other infections.
6. Immediately notify the doctor when signs of infection appear
Cancer patients need to watch out for the signs and symptoms of infection and report it to their doctor right away for early treatment, including:
Chills. Fever. Vomiting. A cough. Diarrhea. Sore throat. Redness, swelling, heat, or pain anywhere on the body. Stuffy nose. Mood change. Early treatment of the infection will help the cancer patient's body recover faster and reduce the risk of complications. To prevent infections, patients need to talk to their doctor about effective ways to boost immunity.
7. Pay attention to sleep every day
A good night's sleep is also extremely important for the health of the immune system of cancer patients. As recommended by experts, people with cancer should aim to get 7 hours of sleep every night. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try the following:
Go to bed and wake up at a fixed time of the day. Do not go to bed too full or too hungry. Take a shower or journal before going to bed to feel comfortable. Sleep or rest in a cool, dark space away from noise.
8. Exercise helps strengthen the immune system against cancer
Exercise is considered the key to a healthy immune system. For many cancer patients, gentle exercise is essential, helping to strengthen the body's immune system. Patients can talk to their doctor to find out what frequency and type of exercise is best for them.
However, you need to avoid exercise when you have the following conditions:
Anemia when the number of red blood cells in the body is low. Extremely tired. Loss of ataxia or poor muscle coordination. Low white blood cell count.
9. Manage stress
Daily stress is a common condition in cancer patients and has adverse effects on immune system health. When stressed, the body releases chemicals that negatively affect the digestive system, immune system, and other organs. To manage stress, cancer patients should make healthy lifestyle choices to increase the body's defenses against disease. Here are some ways to help you reduce stress very effectively:
Get enough sleep. Practice meditation. Massage. Deep breath. Yoga. Listen to music. Read a book. Talk to a mental health professional. The above are ways to help strengthen the immune system for people with cancer, patients and family members can refer to apply to help patients get the best health.
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