The holidays bring joy, togetherness, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of germs. For cancer patients, especially those in active treatment or with therapy-related immunosuppression, navigating seasonal celebrations requires a little more strategy. The good news? With a few mindful adjustments, you can protect your immune system and still enjoy the spirit of the season.
Here’s how to stay safe, healthy, and connected this holiday season—without feeling like you’re sitting on the sidelines.
Know Your Immune Status (and Let It Guide Your Plans)
Different treatments affect the immune system in different ways:
- Chemotherapy can lower white blood cell counts, putting patients at elevated risk of infection.
- Radiation therapy can irritate the skin, causing small breaks that allow germs to enter. Radiation therapy aimed at bones, especially the bones in the pelvis, can have immunosuppressive effects similar to chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy for leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma puts patients at an increased risk of infection.
- Immunotherapy usually doesn’t suppress immunity, but checkpoint inhibitors may increase infection risk.
- Stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy recipients typically have the highest risk and may need stricter precautions for months.
Ask your oncology team where you fall on the spectrum right now. A quick conversation can help you know whether you should modify travel plans, skip crowded indoor events, or simply take a few extra precautions.
Upgrade Your Holiday Hygiene
A few small actions can dramatically reduce exposure during peak cold and flu season:
- Wash hands often—and ask close family to do the same (everyone’s used to it by now).
- Carry sanitizer for quick cleans in stores, airports, and restaurants.
- Avoid touching your face when you’re out and about.
- Mask when you need to, especially in crowded indoor areas, clinics, or during your nadir week. (Most chemotherapy patients experience a nadir—typically 1–2 weeks after an infusion—when their white blood cell counts dip. During this period, your risk of infection is highest, so simple precautions can go a long way.)
Set Boundaries Without Guilt (Your Health Comes First)
Loved ones want you safe, even if they don’t always know how to help. Clear communication makes expectations easier for everyone.
Here is some language you can try:
- “I’d love to see you—can we do something smaller indoors or meet outside?”
- “I’m in a lower-immunity phase right now, so I’m keeping gatherings limited.”
- “If anyone is feeling sick, let’s plan a virtual visit instead.”
Nourish Your Immune System with Seasonal Foods
You don’t need a special diet—just aim for balanced, comforting meals that support energy and immunity:
- Lean proteins: turkey, eggs, beans, Greek yogurt
- Festive produce: citrus (vitamin C), winter squash (beta-carotene), berries (antioxidants)
- Hydration: herbal teas, flavored water, broth—especially if treatment causes dry mouth or taste changes
And yes, you can enjoy your holiday treats. Just add in a few nutrient-dense foods when you can.
Prioritize Rest (Your Body Will Thank You)
Cancer treatment is already a full-time job. Add holiday errands, travel, and visitors, and it’s easy to hit overload.
Try to:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule
- Plan downtime before and after events
- Listen to early signs of fatigue—don’t push through
Your immune system works best when your body has room to recover.
Celebrate, Just a Little Differently
You don’t need to skip festivities—you may just need to reshape them:
- Choose smaller gatherings with people you trust to stay home if sick.
- Opt for outdoor activities when possible—walks, patio dinners, backyard fire pits.
- Consider hosting so you can control crowd size, ventilation, and timing.
- Use virtual options to catch up with bigger groups without risk.
Remember: meaningful connection doesn’t depend on the size of the crowd.
Traveling? Plan with an Immune-Savvy Lens
If you’re cleared to travel, a few strategies help reduce risk:
- Travel on off-peak days or times.
- Bring sanitizing wipes for plane seats, rental cars, and hotel rooms.
- Stay hydrated during flights (cabin air is notoriously dry).
- Wear a mask on planes or in crowded terminals.
- Keep medications in carry-on bags, including anti-nausea and fever reducers approved by your doctor.
Your Health Is the Priority—But Joy Matters, Too
You deserve warmth, connection, comfort, and celebration this season. With thoughtful precautions—and support from your Arizona Oncology team—you can embrace the holidays in a way that honors both your health and your happiness.
If you have questions about your specific treatment, immune status, or travel plans, we’re here to guide you. Reach out to your care team anytime.
From all of us at Arizona Oncology, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joy-filled holiday season.