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Guide for patients and loved ones

How to protect yourself today

A few simple steps today greatly reduce your risk of infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Soap and warm water
Figure 1.Soap and warm water — How to protect yourself today

01Short answer

Today’s protection rules: wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after the toilet. Take your temperature once or twice a day and whenever you feel unwell. Avoid crowds and sick people, and wear a mask if needed. Care for your mouth with a soft brush. Eat fresh, fully cooked food. Keep your line clean and dry. Avoid pet litter, gardening and contact with soil. If you get a fever, call straight away.

02Simple explanation

Three golden rules for today: hands, temperature, distance.

A fever is a reason to call.

03Scientific explanation

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

During neutropenia your own gut and skin germs can also cause infection, so mouth, skin and perianal hygiene matter.

04What happens in the body?

Hygiene

Hands, mouth, skin, a daily shower; line care according to your team’s rules.

Surroundings

An aired room, clean surfaces, away from crowds and sick people; let others handle pet litter and soil.

A thermometer and a mask
Figure 2.A thermometer and a mask

Monitoring

Temperature, new symptoms and the line site. Note anything worrying and call if needed.

A walk in a quiet park
Figure 3.A walk in a quiet park

05Protection today

Four steps.

Wash hands — Soap and water.1Wash handsSoap and water.
Check temperature — Morning and evening.2Check temperatureMorning and evening.
Avoid crowds — Fresh air, few people.3Avoid crowdsFresh air, few people.
Mouth care — A soft brush.4Mouth careA soft brush.
Fewer infectionsSimple habits protect.
Quick actionProblems show early.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
HygieneHands, mouth, skin, a daily shower; line care according to your team’s rules.
SurroundingsAn aired room, clean surfaces, away from crowds and sick people; let others handle pet litter and soil.
MonitoringTemperature, new symptoms and the line site. Note anything worrying and call if needed.

07Key terms

Hand hygiene
Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol rub.
Endogenous germ
A germ from your own body.
Mask
Protection against respiratory infections.

08Key points

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Check your temperature.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Call at once if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I use alcohol hand rub?

Yes, when soap and water are not available; visible dirt needs soap and water.

Can I go outside?

A walk in fresh air is often fine; ask your team.

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 I use alcohol hand rub?

  2. Can I go outside?

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). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer (booklet)
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
  7. American Cancer Society. What a Cancer Caregiver Does
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  9. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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