Cancer drugs

Flu vaccine and cancer treatment

Cancer or its treatment can lower your resistance to infection and make you more likely to catch flu. The flu makes it less likely that you will catch flu.

Flu (influenza) is an infection caused by a virus. It is very infectious. You mainly catch it from coughs and sneezes of people with the virus. The symptoms of flu often come on quickly and include:

a high temperature (fever) or chills
aching muscles
a cough
headaches
extreme tiredness

Anyone who has flu feels quite unwell. But most healthy people recover within a few days as their immune system gets rid of the virus. Occasionally people develop complications, such as severe chest infections. These are serious illnesses which can need hospital treatment. A small number of people die due to complications.

Last reviewed: 06 Jul 2023

Next review due: 06 Jul 2026

Immunisations and cancer treatment

Your resistance to infection can sometimes be low if you have or have recently had some cancer treatments. There are some vaccinations you shouldn't have when you have low immunity because they could make you feel very ill.

Travel vaccinations

To visit some countries, you’ll need vaccinations before you leave. It’s a good idea to get advice about this at least 8 weeks before you travel.

Treatment for cancer

Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.

Coping with cancer

Coping with cancer can be difficult. There is help and support available. Find out about the emotional, physical and practical effects of cancer and how to manage them.

Your cancer type

Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.