Infection and myeloma Infosheet

This Infosheet explains what an infection is and what increases the risk of infection in myeloma. It also explains the signs and symptoms of infection and how infection is managed and treated.

This Infosheet covers key questions and topics about infection including:

• What is an infection?
• Types of infection
• What increases the risk of infection in myeloma?
• What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
• How is infection diagnosed?
• What is sepsis?
• How is infection treated?
• Reducing the risk of infection
• Self-help tips for avoiding infection
• Avoiding infection after high-dose therapy and stem-cell transplant
• Current research

Key points you can read about in this Infosheet include:

• Infections happen when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the body and cause illness
• The body’s defence against infection is the immune system
• Infection is a common complication of myeloma
• Infection risk is due to both the myeloma and its treatment
• It is important that any infection is treated quickly
• Get to know the signs of infection and report them straight away to your healthcare team
• Treatment will depend on the type of infection
• There are vaccines against some infections
• Following self-help tips will help reduce your risk of infections
• Know the signs of sepsis and call 999 immediately if you show any symptoms

Infection and myeloma Infosheet

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