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Immunity and infection prevention

Contacts, family and crowds

The main article (“Visitors and public places”) is about contact with people. This topic looks more closely at the practical rules for everyday contact: with family, visitors, children, at work and in public places.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A family on a sofa — Contacts, family and crowds
Figure 1.Safe closeness with family.

01Short answer

Respiratory viruses and some bacteria pass from person to person. The aim is not to cut yourself off from loved ones but to take sensible care. Family members should wash their hands, keep their distance and wear a mask when ill, and keep their vaccines up to date (especially the seasonal flu vaccine). Visitors who are ill should postpone their visit. During the deepest neutropenia, avoid crowded indoor places (public transport at rush hour, markets) or wear a mask. Tell your team at once about contact with someone who has chickenpox, shingles, measles or a stomach bug, because preventive treatment is sometimes needed. Video calls help you stay connected.

02Simple explanation

Not isolation but sensible care.

An ill visitor should stay away.

Family vaccines protect you.

03Scientific explanation

A “protective circle”: vaccinating family members protects the patient indirectly; your team will explain exceptions for live vaccines.

Post-exposure prevention: after contact with chickenpox or measles, special prevention is sometimes given, and timing matters.

04What happens in the body?

With family

Closeness continues; hands are clean and anyone ill wears a mask.

Avoiding crowds

During the riskiest period, stay away from crowded places.

A crowded market from a distance.
Figure 2.Stay away from crowds.

Staying connected

Video calls ease loneliness and are safe.

A video call on a tablet with tea.
Figure 3.Stay connected by video.

05Safe contact

Four steps.

Hands — Wash on arrival.1HandsWash on arrival.
Ill people — Postpone visits.2Ill peoplePostpone visits.
Places — Avoid crowds.3PlacesAvoid crowds.
Vaccines — Family vaccination.4VaccinesFamily vaccination.

06What is advised for whom

WhoWhat to do
Family membersHand hygiene, seasonal vaccines
An ill visitorPostpone the visit
School-age childrenReport illnesses, wash hands
ColleaguesRemote work if possible
YouAvoid crowds at peak times

07Key terms

Transmission
A germ passing from one person to another.
Protective circle
Protection through vaccinating people around you.
Droplet spread
Spread by coughs and sneezes.
Post-exposure prophylaxis
Protective treatment after contact.
Incubation period
The time from catching an infection to symptoms.

08Key points

  • Sensible care, not isolation.
  • Keep hands clean.
  • Ill visitors stay away.
  • The family gets vaccinated.
  • Avoid crowds at peak times.
  • Report chickenpox contact at once.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I hug my grandchildren?

Usually yes, if they are well and hands are clean.

My child had a live vaccine; is that dangerous?

In most cases no, but ask your team.

Can I go back to work?

It depends on the job and your risk; talk to 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 hug my grandchildren?

  2. My child had a live vaccine; is that dangerous?

  3. Can I go back to work?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and immunization
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  3. American Cancer Society. Infections in People with Cancer
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Infections
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Germs and Hygiene
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Antibiotic Resistance
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Basics
  8. Haematologica (ECIL-4), 2013. European guidelines for empirical antibacterial therapy for febrile neutropenic patients in the era of growing resistance
  9. New England Journal of Medicine, 2005. Levofloxacin to prevent bacterial infection in patients with cancer and neutropenia
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Cytomegalovirus Infections
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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