Infection symptoms and what to do

When you have blood cancer, it’s important to know what the signs and symptoms of infection might be, and what to do if you think you have an infection.

Read the list of symptoms on this page but bear in mind they can be very mild if you have blood cancer. This is because your immune system doesn’t react as strongly as it would normally. Symptoms can also be masked by some medicines you may be taking.

For instance, you could still have an infection even if you do not have a fever.

Infections can start suddenly and get worse very quickly, so you and anyone you live with should be aware what to look for.

People with blood cancer say you should trust your instincts. If you don’t feel right, don’t wait to get help.

Get medical advice straight away. Infections can get worse very quickly when you have blood cancer so don’t wait.

Since there are many types of infection, there are also many possible symptoms of infection. Here’s a list of some more common ones – any one of these could be a reason to get medical advice:

• feeling hot or cold (a temperature that’s higher or lower than normal)
• sore throat
• cough producing green mucus
• frequent watery poos (diarrhoea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• feeling dizzy or faint
• headache or stiff neck
• skin feeling red, hot or swollen
• burning or stinging when you wee or passing a small amount
• pain, redness or discharge (fluid) around the site of a central line
• pain, itching or unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
• new pain anywhere in your body
• generally not feeling well.

It’s also important to know when your immune system is weak, it doesn’t respond to germs as strongly as normal. So even if your symptoms seem very mild, make sure you get medical advice.

Order our free infection alert card for a reminder of infection symptoms and guidance on what to do.

Most treating teams will advise you to check your temperature if you feel unwell and get advice if it reaches 37.5°C or goes below 36°C.

This is a good guide, but remember that normal body temperature can vary from person to person and between thermometers.

Paracetamol, steroids and aspirin they can mask a fever, so tell emergency staff if you are taking these medicines.

There are some symptoms which show that an infection has turned into sepsis (also called septicaemia or blood poisoning).

If you have any of these symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E right away:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like you’re going to die
• Skin mottled or discoloured

(UK Sepsis Trust)

On black and brown skin, mottled or discoloured skin (blotchy, grey, blue or pale skin) may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Infections can be treated successfully, especially if you get help as soon as you think there’s a problem.

• If you have a bacterial infection (such as bacterial pneumonia or a urinary tract infection), you will probably be given antibiotics. They may be given as tablets, as a liquid, or through a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion).
• If you have a viral infection (such as flu or covid-19) – you may need anti-viral medicines. They may be given as tablets, as a liquid, as a cream or through a drip into a vein.
• If you have a fungal infection (such as ringworm or thrush), you may be given anti-fungal medicine as tablets, as a liquid, as a cream or through a drip into a vein.

Sepsis can also be treated successfully, if it is treated in time. See our information about sepsis.

We have separate information about covid treatments, who can have them and how to get them.

> Infection, neutropenia and sepsis