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Netherlands: Hygiene

During treatment immunity weakens, and everyday hygiene becomes a protective shield. This chapter covers hygiene at home and in daily life in the Netherlands.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, two lathered hands under running water.
Figure 1.Handwashing is the simplest protection.

01Short answer

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; care for your mouth with a soft brush; shower daily and wear clean clothes; never share towels, razors or toothbrushes; keep the kitchen and bathroom clean. Carry an alcohol sanitiser on public transport and in hospital. If you have a line, care for it only as your team taught you.

02Simple explanation

Hands: soap, water, 20 seconds.

Mouth and skin: soft brush, daily shower.

Personal items are not shared.

03Scientific explanation

Handwashing: according to the CDC, proper handwashing with soap reduces the spread of respiratory and gut infections.

Neutropenia: the NCI explains that when neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection.

04What happens in the body?

Hand hygiene

Wash before eating, after the toilet, after being outside or on public transport, and after touching animals. Without water, use a sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.

Mouth care

A soft brush, mild toothpaste and the rinse your team recommends. Avoid alcohol mouthwashes. Talk to your haematologist before any dental visit.

On a dark navy background, a soft toothbrush in a cup and a rinse.
Figure 2.A soft brush protects the mouth.

Skin and personal items

A warm shower daily, mild soap, moisturiser; an electric razor instead of a blade. Change towels and bedding often.

On a dark navy background, a shelf of towels in different colours.
Figure 3.Everyone has their own towel.

05Clean hands in four steps

A rule for every day.

Wet — Under running water.1WetUnder running water.
Lather — 20 seconds.2Lather20 seconds.
Dry — With your own towel.3DryWith your own towel.
Surfaces — Wipe door handles.4SurfacesWipe door handles.
ProtectionLower infection risk.
Fewer delaysTreatment is postponed less.
ConfidenceThe family knows what to do.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Hand hygieneWash before eating, after the toilet, after being outside or on public transport, and after touching animals. Without water, use a sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
Mouth careA soft brush, mild toothpaste and the rinse your team recommends. Avoid alcohol mouthwashes. Talk to your haematologist before any dental visit.
Skin and personal itemsA warm shower daily, mild soap, moisturiser; an electric razor instead of a blade. Change towels and bedding often.

07Key terms

Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.
Sanitiser
An alcohol product that reduces germs.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the mouth lining.
Line (catheter)
A long-term tube in a vein.

08Key points

  • Wash hands for 20 seconds.
  • Soft toothbrush.
  • Do not share personal items.
  • Carry sanitiser.
  • Line care by your team’s rules.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I go swimming?

Usually not during neutropenia or with a line; ask your team.

Can I have a manicure?

There is a risk of cuts and infection; agree timing with your team.

Can I keep a pet?

Often yes, but someone else should clean cages and litter.

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 go swimming?

  2. Can I have a manicure?

  3. Can I keep a pet?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fever and cancer treatment (Infection and Neutropenia)
  4. Heidelberg University Hospital. Treatment inquiry and appointment for international patients
  5. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (in Spanish)
  6. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. International patients
  7. Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Onco-haematology therapies (in Italian)
  8. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele. Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (in Italian)
  9. AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis. Hematology and bone marrow transplant department (in French)
  10. Institut Paoli-Calmettes. Acute myeloid leukemia (in French)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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