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Psychology, family and everyday life

Visitors: support, with rules

Visits from loved ones give strength. With simple rules you can welcome visitors; the main thing is not to bring infection into the home.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A family waving at a laptop during a video call
Figure 1.A video call is a visit too

01Short answer

Tell visitors in advance that if they are ill (a cold, fever, cough, diarrhoea or rash) or someone at home is ill, they should not come. If they have recently had a live vaccine, ask your team. Put hand rub by the door so everyone cleans their hands. Keep visits short with few people, and air the room. Avoid hugs and kisses as your team advises. Keep your own cup and towel separate. Before bringing flowers or home cooking, visitors should know the food and plant rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection”, “Plants and soil: greenery, with care”). A video call with people far away is closeness too.

02Simple explanation

Ill: do not come.

At the door: hand rub.

Short, few people.

Video calls: also fine.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, visitors should wash their hands, and people who are ill should postpone their visit.

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

04What happens in the body?

Silent spread

People can spread a virus before symptoms start.

Live vaccines

After some vaccines, your team will advise about close contact.

A video call
Figure 3.A video call — Visitors: support, with rules

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
Silent spreadPeople can spread a virus before symptoms start.
Live vaccinesAfter some vaccines, your team will advise about close contact.
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

Incubation period
The time between infection and symptoms.
Live vaccine
A vaccine made from a weakened live germ.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Warn.
  • Hand rub.
  • Keep it short.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I say "please don't come" politely?

"My doctor advises no visitors right now; let's meet later" is enough.

Can children visit?

See “Contact with children: keeping close safely”.

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. How do I say "please don't come" politely?

  2. Can children visit?

  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. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  6. National Cancer Institute. Self-Image and Sexuality
  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows
  8. NHS. Cuts and grazes
  9. NHS. Nosebleed
  10. MedlinePlus. Nosebleed
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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