Advice for the Neutropenic Patient


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You have been identified as either neutropenic or potentially neutropenic by your health care professional. This means that your white cells, and in particular your neutrophils (one type of white cell), are either very low or can soon become very low, which in turn will put you at risk of contracting an infection. Neutrophils are necessary to prevent and fight infection, so to help avoid these risks the following measures are advised -

Try to avoid contact with any persons known to have a cold, cough, sore throat or any evidence of an infection.

Try to avoid crowded places such as sports venues, cinemas and busy shopping places, but still maintain as many social engagements as possible.

Check your temperature daily at the same time of day or if feeling unwell, and contact the Oncology Day Unit or ward if your temperature rises to 38°C on two separate occasions of one hour apart or above 39°C on one occasion.

Do not take any aspirin or drugs that contain aspirin and do not take paracetamol unless you have first checked that your temperature is normal, as paracetamol can mask a rise in temperature. Steroids can also mask a temperature.

Remember to take any medicines' that have been prescribed to help combat infection.

Maintain scrupulous personal hygiene and mouth care. (see separate advice sheet)

Keep fresh flowers, pot plants and sources of stagnant water out of your own personal living area.

Follow a clean diet wherever possible, ensuring intake of proteins and carbohydrates. (see separate advice sheet)

Avoid the use of any object that may damage your skin or mucosa, such as rectal suppositories, enemas, body-piercing, tattoos and the use of tampons. If constipation is a problem and suppositories / enemas are r please ensure a full blood count is recorded prior procedure.

Practice safe sex by using condoms.

Ensure adequate rest and sleep to conserve energy: and maintain a healthy body and mind.

Further advice can be sought from your nurse specialist or from one of the nurses on the ward, and if any particular issue worries you, please feel free to discuss it further. These are merely guidelines and can sometimes be flexible, depending on the degree of neutropenia that you have, or is expected, so please seek guidance if necessary .