Protecting yourself when your white cells are low

When the risk is highest

The biggest risk of neutropenia and infection is 7–14 days after each chemotherapy treatment, but infections can happen at any time.eviq · Neutropenia & infection prevention

Hand hygiene

Wash hands with soap and water:

• before eating or preparing meals
• after touching raw meat
• after going to the toilet
• after being in public places

Use alcohol-based hand rub if you can't access soap and water.

Look after your body

• Brush teeth after each meal and before bed (soft brush, alcohol-free mouthwash).
• Shower or bath every day.
• Keep the bottom area clean after going to the toilet.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean.
• Wear sunscreen.

Keep away from germs

• Stay away from people who are sick (cold, flu, chickenpox).
• Try to avoid crowds.
• Don't share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes.
• Wash or peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
• No raw fish, seafood, meat, or eggs. Cook meat well.
• Avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water (rainwater, bores, rivers). Boil and cool first if needed.

Call the team or go to ED if you have:

• Temperature ≥ 38 °C — this is febrile neutropenia if your white cells are low. Urgent.
• Chills, sweats, shivers, or shakes.
• Headache or stiff neck.
• Sore throat, cough, or cold.
• Shortness of breath.
• Faint, dizzy, or fast heartbeat.
• Mouth sores or a white coating on the tongue.
• Rash or skin redness.
• Swelling, redness or tenderness — especially around a wound, catheter site, or rectal area.
• Uncontrolled diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Cloudy urine, pain or blood passing urine.

Tell them you are having cancer treatment. You can have an infection without a fever — call if you feel ill.

Other things to watch

• Medicines: ask before taking anything new. Paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen can hide a fever.
• Vaccinations: ask the team before any vaccine.
• Pets: wash hands after touching them. Don't clean cat litter, fish tanks, bird cages, or dog poo.
• Gardening: gloves on; avoid compost and potting mix.
• Building / renovations: avoid the dust.
• Swimming: no rivers, lakes, public pools, or hot tubs.
• Dental work: talk to the team before any dental procedure.

Source

All advice on this page is drawn from eviq · Neutropenia & infection prevention — Cancer Institute NSW (January 2025). Reducing your risk of infection during cancer treatment — patient information sheet. SC242500243.

eviq · Neutropenia & infection prevention