← Back
Psychology, family and everyday life

Visitor hygiene: five simple rules

A visitor's hands and clothes can carry germs to the patient. A few simple rules greatly reduce that risk.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hands rubbing in hand sanitiser
Figure 1.Visitors clean their hands first

01Short answer

1) Clean your hands with hand rub, or wash with soap for 20 seconds, when entering and leaving the room. 2) Wear a mask if the team asks; cough and sneeze into your elbow. 3) Do not sit on the patient's bed or put your coat and bag on it. 4) Do not use the patient's personal items (cup, towel, phone), and try not to use their toilet. 5) Do not touch the catheter, dressings or medicines. Family members living at home should follow the same rules.

02Simple explanation

Hands in and out.

A mask if asked.

Do not sit on the bed.

Do not touch the catheter.

03Scientific explanation

WHO: correct hand hygiene is the main way to prevent infections linked to health care.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Hand rub

If hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol hand rub is enough.

Soap

Visible dirt and diarrhoea call for soap and water.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Hand rubIf hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol hand rub is enough.
SoapVisible dirt and diarrhoea call for soap and water.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Alcohol hand rub
An alcohol-based product for hands.
Respiratory etiquette
The rule of covering coughs.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Clean hands.
  • Mask.
  • Hands off.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I hug the patient?

If you are well and your hands are clean, usually yes.

Are gloves needed?

Usually not; hand hygiene is enough unless the team says otherwise.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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 the patient?

  2. Are gloves needed?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. American Cancer Society. Therapy, Counseling, and Support Resources for People with Cancer
  6. NCCN Guidelines for Patients. Distress During Cancer Care
  7. Cancer Research UK. Mental health and cancer
  8. Lancet Oncology, 2011. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder in oncological, haematological, and palliative-care settings: a meta-analysis of 94 interview-based studies
  9. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2019. Distress Management, Version 3.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Meditation and Relaxation for Your Mind and Body
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →