Only a few treatments will require you to avoid close contact with loved ones for a short amount of time. If this is something you will have to do, your doctor will tell you about it when going over treatment options.

Most chemo drugs do make you less able to fight infection. It is very important that you stay away from anyone who is sick. The best way to prevent infection is by washing your hands often and having your family and friends do the same when they are with you. For more information, see the section “How will chemo affect my blood cell count?"

For more information on being at home with family and friends during treatment, please see our booklets, Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing with Treatment and Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008