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Questions and answers

Having guests

Visits from loved ones give strength. During treatment they need to be made safe.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A place to wash hands at the entrance
Figure 1.A place to wash hands at the entrance

01Short answer

You can have guests during treatment, but a few simple rules matter. Visitors must be well: anyone with a fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea or rash should not come. On arrival they wash their hands, and visits are short with few people. Air the room, and ask your team about sick children and about recent “live” vaccines in family members. When neutrophils are very low, it is better to cut visits down.

02Simple explanation

Visitors should be well and wash their hands.

Few people and short visits are the safest choice.

03Scientific explanation

Respiratory viruses (flu, RSV, coronavirus) can be severe with neutropenia and after transplant, so seasonal vaccines are often recommended for family members.

Rules about pets, flowers and soil are covered in separate topics and depend on the centre.

04What happens in the body?

Before the visit

Ask the visitor how they feel. If they are ill, postpone. It is not rude; it is care.

During the visit

Hands are washed and a mask worn if needed. Kisses and close contact are possible with healthy people, but be careful. Any food brought should follow food-safety rules.

A small, calm visit
Figure 2.A small, calm visit — Having guests

Alternatives

Phone calls, video calls, letters and messages also bring closeness. In the most vulnerable period they are the best way.

A video call: safe closeness
Figure 3.A video call: safe closeness

05A safe visit

Four simple rules.

Ask about health — Unwell visitors stay away.1Ask about healthUnwell visitors stay away.
Wash hands — Soap and water at the door.2Wash handsSoap and water at the door.
Few and short — A small group, a short time.3Few and shortA small group, a short time.
Air the room — Fresh air inside.4Air the roomFresh air inside.
SupportCloseness lifts the mood.
SafetyInfection risk goes down.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Before the visitAsk the visitor how they feel. If they are ill, postpone. It is not rude; it is care.
During the visitHands are washed and a mask worn if needed. Kisses and close contact are possible with healthy people, but be careful. Any food brought should follow food-safety rules.
AlternativesPhone calls, video calls, letters and messages also bring closeness. In the most vulnerable period they are the best way.

07Key terms

Neutropenia
Low neutrophils, a risk of infection.
Live vaccine
A vaccine containing a weakened live germ.
Respiratory virus
A virus spread through the airways.

08Key points

  • Visitors must be well.
  • Hand hygiene matters.
  • Few people, short visits.
  • In vulnerable periods video calls are better.

09Frequently asked questions

Can children visit?

If they are well, yes; they often catch infections, so be careful.

Should visitors wear a mask?

Check your team’s rules; it helps in respiratory infection season.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can children visit?

  2. Should visitors wear a mask?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. NHS. How to wash your hands
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Sepsis — fact sheet
  5. NHS (UK). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
  6. NHS (UK). Chronic myeloid leukaemia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). What Is Cancer?
  8. American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  9. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Talking With Family and Friends
  10. NHS. High temperature (fever) in adults
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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