In portions of the Midwest, where bone-chilling temperatures can dip below zero during cold winter months, the flu and other respiratory illnesses are raging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several midwestern states are reporting “very high” rates of the flu and influenza-like-illnesses (ILI), which include COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
CDC data shows the flu rate in Illinois is “moderate.” However, the city of Chicago is seeing spikes in flu cases and in cases of the norovirus, a highly contagious digestive illness.
Virus-borne illnesses may pose a particular threat to cancer patients, many of whom have compromised immune systems caused by their disease or as a side effect of treatment. Catching the flu or the norovirus may complicate a patient’s treatment plan and add more challenging symptoms to those already caused by cancer.
“When it comes to contagious diseases like influenza, cancer patients are vulnerable to infection,” says Ajaz Khan, M.D., chief of medical oncology at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago. “The most concerning issue is developing serious complications if they do get the flu.”
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What Are ILIs?
- What Is the Norovirus?
- Viruses In The Midwest
- Why Cancer Patients Have Low Immunity
- How Cancer Patients Can Protect Themselves
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-524-4673.
Respiratory viruses are serious business and may cause symptoms that may result in hospitalization or death. The CDC estimates that from 2022 to 2024, about 50,000 Americans died of the flu. Thousands more were hospitalized by the disease. In 2023-24, more than 200 children died of the flu.
Nearly 10% of the U.S. population comes down with an ILI annually.
ILIs include:
- Influenza
- Common colds, such as those caused by adenoviruses or rhinoviruses
- RSV
- Coronavirus, including variants that cause COVID-19
According to the CDC, ILIs are infections that may cause the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Body aches
- Nausea
If these symptoms worsen or persist, it may be a sign of a more serious illness, including cancer. Some ILI symptoms, including chills, fatigue and loss of appetite, may also be early signs of some cancers.
“If you have symptoms, such as fever, a runny nose or sore throat, immediately call your provider,” Dr. Khan says. “There are good treatments for the flu, but they must be administered early, particularly 48 to 72 hours at the onset of symptoms.”
What Is the Norovirus?
The norovirus is an acute digestive system illness that may cause severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s highly contagious and may be spread by direct contact with someone who is infected or by sharing food or utensils.
Some foods may also be contaminated with the norovirus. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an advisory not to sell or consume certain oysters harvested in Washington state because of potential norovirus contamination.
About 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported every year in the United States.
Viruses in the Midwest
Cases of norovirus often spike in the winter and that’s what’s happening in the city of Chicago, health officials tell local news stations.
“Outbreaks are more common during November through April, although people can get sick from norovirus any time during the year. Several small outbreaks of suspected norovirus have been reported to CDPH in December, but this is not out of the ordinary for this time of year,” the Chicago Department of Public Health said in a statement to CBS News Chicago.
Meanwhile, cases of ILIs are surging in several midwestern states.
In Minnesota, about 3,400 residents have been hospitalized this flu season and 79 deaths have been reported.
In Wisconsin, more than 1,400 residents have been hospitalized with respiratory illnesses and 40 deaths have been reported.
In Michigan, 3,362 state residents were hospitalized because of respiratory illnesses.
Why Cancer Patients Have Low Immunity
Cancer itself has ways of shutting down or exhausting the immune system or even hijacking immune cells to help cancer cells grow. And some cancer treatments may kill or damage immune cells.
For instance, chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. But bone marrow cells, which produces immune cells, also grow fast and are often killed or damaged during treatment, preventing them from forming new immune cells.
Stem cell transplants often require intense conditioning regimens of chemotherapy that essentially wipe out the immune system, so it may be rebuilt with new cells.
Surgery, radiation therapy and some types of immunotherapy may also affect the immune system may impact the body’s ability to fight infections.
How Cancer Patients Can Protect Themselves
It’s critical for cancer patients with compromised immune systems to take steps to reduce their exposure to viruses that may cause and illness or infection. It’s also important that loved ones and caregivers take measures to help ensure they are not passing on illnesses to others.
But connecting with family and friends is also important, says Kevin Zhang, M.D., medical oncologist at City of Hope Chicago.
“The winter months in the Midwest can be cold and, at times, isolating,” Dr. Zhang says. “That may have an impact on one's mental wellbeing. So, people may have to make more of an effort to stay connected to their friends and family. But it's also important to balance that with the health risks that may be present since it's cold and flu season.
“If you're on any treatments that compromise your immune system, most notably chemotherapy, then it's important to make sure people are not exhibiting concerning symptoms like cough, fevers, diarrhea, sore throat, prior to meeting. If they are exhibiting symptoms such as those, you can still safely interact with the luxury of modern technology and save in-person activities for a later, safer time.
Here are some tips for protecting yourself and those close to you:
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. Keep your home clean. Be aware that hand sanitizers are not effective in preventing the spread of norovirus.
Be vigilant. Watch out for warning signs, such as fever, fatigue, cough or diarrhea.
Clean wounds. Keep cuts, scrapes or surgical scars clean, and beware of swelling or redness.
Avoid large crowds. Stay away from people you know may be sick.
Eat well and stay hydrated. Do not share food, drinking glasses or utensils with others. Avoid raw or undercooked foods. Eat and drink only pasteurized juice or dairy products.
Keep a clean house. Disinfect countertops, door handles, telephones and other frequently touched objects.
Get vaccinated. Make sure your immunizations are up to date.
“We recommend that all patients obtain the flu vaccine,” Dr. Khan says. “The vaccine may not prevent you from catching the flu, but it reduces the severity of infection. The flu vaccine is safe in all patients but, depending on the treatment being received, such as chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant, the body may not respond as well to a vaccine. It is always important to ask your provider prior to receiving the vaccine.”
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-524-4673.