Influenza is Hitting Hard: Lymphoma Patients Should Be "Fully Armed"
Spring is the peak season for influenza viruses, with influenza B surging recently and a significant rise in flu cases at respiratory clinics and fever outpatient departments nationwide1. For the general public, the flu may just be an uncomfortable few days, but for lymphoma patients, it can pose a severe challenge. Lymphoma patients face heightened risks of more severe illness and higher mortality from flu infections2. Therefore, understanding effective prevention and mastering precautions throughout treatment are crucial for their health and cancer therapy progress.
1. Why should lymphoma patients stay highly vigilant against the flu?？
1）Patients with lymphoma are at high risk for influenza infection
2）Patients with lymphoma are at high risk for severe disease
Tumor patients may develop severe flu complications like pneumonia or disease exacerbation2, disrupting cancer treatment—such as delaying surgery or pausing radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Flu-related appetite loss and fever-induced energy depletion can also worsen malnutrition.
2. How can lymphoma patients effectively prevent influenza in flu season？
Influenza virus spreads mainly via respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing, infecting through direct or indirect contact with mucosal surfaces like the mouth, nose, or eyes (Figure 1)4.
Figure 1 Transmission Routes of the Influenza Virus
In daily life, the following two steps should be taken to prevent influenza:
1） Personal precautions—playing hide-and-seek with influenza viruses
Lymphoma patients should follow the same flu prevention steps as the general public by maintaining good personal hygiene.Wash hands frequently; keep environments clean and well-ventilated; minimize visits to crowded places and avoid contact with respiratory infection patients; rest and self-isolate if flu-like symptoms appear, wearing masks in public or during medical visits.2.
2）Flu vaccination—our "super shield"
Influenza vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of infection and severe complications 2.Vaccination is recommended for patients after curative resection or those with stable lymphoma, while it shall be postponed for patients with progressive disease or those receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. The optimal vaccination window varies by treatment stage based on individualized medical assessment. All lymphoma patients shall complete vaccination under professional physician evaluation.
Table 1 Optimal vaccination time of influenza vaccine for lymphoma patients at different treatment phases
3. Seek medical care promptly—don't tough out flu symptoms
Even with precautions, flu can still occur. If lymphoma patients experience fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue, seek medical help immediately and inform doctors of lymphoma history and current treatments for accurate diagnosis and plans.
For patients in chemotherapy breaks with flu, contact doctors promptly for blood tests. Generally, if blood tests show no bone marrow suppression, mild cases can rest at home under medical guidance—taking antipyretics and antivirals (e.g., oseltamivir, arbidol, baloxavir)7—while closely monitoring symptoms. Seek immediate medical care if chest tightness, pain, breathing difficulties or other symptoms develop.
Mild flu infection with stable conditions during antitumor therapy generally doesn't disrupt treatment or efficacy.Pause therapy for high fever, severe respiratory tract infection, or other symptoms until flu is controlled.
4. Lifestyle management—build a strong foundation8
Lymphoma patients often face mental stress; adjust mindset positively, embrace optimism，and get sunlight exposure. Sunlight kills germs and aids vitamin D synthesis for calcium absorption—preferably indoors with good airflow, or outdoors with proper warmth.
Exercise moderately based on recovery: walk in fresh-air parks or practice tai chi at home to boost immunity, aiming for light sweating without fatigue.
Diet should be regular with varied meals: grains as staple (whole/refined mix), balanced meat/veggies. Prioritize high-quality proteins (eggs, milk), fresh produce for comprehensive nutrition.
In addition, maintain routines with 7-8 hours sleep nightly, avoid late nights, stay cheerful, and minimize emotional ups/downs.
Summary
Dear lymphoma patients, flu season is challenging but with protection, treatment, and optimism, we can conquer it and press on in battling lymphoma—let's keep fighting together!
References
1.Institute of Viral Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Weekly Report on Influenza Surveillance in 2026.
2.Influenza Vaccine Working Group of the National Immunization Program Technical Working Group. Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, 2023, 44 (10): 1507-1530.
3.Expert Committee on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO). Chinese Clinical Oncology, 2021,26(11):1020-1027.
4.Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Influenza (2019 Edition).
5.Zainab Shahid, et al. Transplant Cell Ther. 2024;30(10):955-969.
6.Kamboj M, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(14):1699-1721.
7.El Ramahi R, et al. J Oncol Pract. 2019;15(4):177-184.
8.Zhu Jun, ed. Lymphoma. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2022.
Statement: The information involved in this article is only for reference by lymphoma patients and their families, and is not used as a medication recommendation. Please follow the opinions or guidance of professional doctors for specific diagnosis and treatment plans.