Infection Risks for Immunocompromised Kids

Why Children With Cancer Are at Higher Risk for Infection

Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy can lower the number of white blood cells in your child’s body. White blood cells are a vital part of the immune system. They help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause infections.

When white blood cell counts are low, your child may face an increased risk for infection because:

• Symptoms can be less obvious or missing. Unlike healthy individuals, children with weakened immune systems may not show typical signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain. Sometimes, the only sign of an infection may be a fever.
• Infections can start mild but worsen quickly. Without enough white blood cells to fight germs, an infection can progress rapidly from a simple fever to a serious condition. That’s why any fever in a child undergoing cancer or blood disorder treatment should be reported to their care team immediately. Hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics are often needed to treat infections quickly and effectively.
• The body may struggle to clear infections. Viral illnesses, like the flu, can last longer and be more severe in children with weakened immune systems compared to others with healthy immune system.

Some cancer treatments can also cause side effects that break down the skin or lining of the mouth and digestive tract. These changes create additional openings where germs can enter the body.

In addition, medical devices such as venous catheters – those that go into the veins in your arm – or urinary catheters for using the restroom, provide a direct pathway past the body’s natural defenses. This allows bacteria and other germs easier access to cause infections.

Because of these increased risks, it’s important to take any signs of infection in immunocompromised children seriously and seek care promptly.

Preventing Infections During Cancer Treatment

Preventing infection is an important part of your child’s care plan. Steps may include:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Many infections are spread from bacteria or viruses that we pick up on our hands when we touch people or objects around us. Cleaning hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Even a common cold virus an make a patient with a weak immune system very sick.
• Get vaccinated. Care providers for patients with weakened immune systems should receive all recommended vaccinations, including influenza and pertussis vaccines. Patients should also receive these vaccines as long as their doctors recommend it.

Survival Rates After Infection

Because children with weakened immune systems can be affected by many different illnesses and infections, there isn’t a single survival rate that applies to every child.

A child’s outlook depends on why their immune system is weakened and the type of infection they develop.

What’s most important is prevention and early treatment. By closely monitoring for infections and treating them quickly, care teams help protect your child’s health and support the success of their cancer treatment.

Explore More Ways to Protect Your Child from Infection

Get additional information on infection prevention to keep your child safe during cancer treatment. From handwashing tips to managing illness at home, these resources provide practical advice tailored to your family’s needs.