In this condition, the body is vulnerable to potentially serious infections. Your doctor will determine if you have neutropenia with regular blood tests. Infections can start in almost any part of your body, including your mouth, skin, lungs, urinary tract, rectum, and reproductive tract. Infection can require hospitalization. It can also delay your chemotherapy treatment, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of your chemotherapy.
Fever is often one of the first symptoms of infection.
That's why, during cycles of chemotherapy, it's important to take your temperature around the same time every day. Ask your doctor what time of day is best. Tell your doctor immediately if you have a fever. It could mean you have an infection. N Engl J Med .