Precautions for Leukemia Patients Around Meningitis

Leukemia is a cancer that develops in cells of the bone marrow. When a person has leukemia, the white blood cells--infection fighters--that her bone marrow makes are abnormal and referred to as leukemia cells. These cells don't die off, as other cells do. Instead, they take up space needed by other cells and impair normal cell function, making it harder to fight infection. Also, while treatments for leukemia, including chemotherapy, can be lifesaving, a side effect of treatment is often a weakened immune system. As such, it's important to take steps to prevent exposure to meningitis.

Avoid Exposure

• If you have leukemia, the best way to be safe from meningitis is to avoid contact with the viruses and bacteria that cause it. If someone you know has meningitis, wait until he's well to visit. Although someone with a strong immune system may resist meningitis, someone with leukemia is less capable of fighting it off. Some forms of meningitis, such as the bacterial form called pneumococcal meningitis, are aggressive and take lives very quickly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even those without underlying conditions are vulnerable to this disease, and many traditional medications aren't sufficient to fight it.

Boost Your Immune System

• Ask your doctor for ways to boost your immune system's ability to fight infections. For example, depending on your health status, you may be able to receive vaccinations that can help protect you against certain types of meningitis. Vaccinations can also help protect you from other illnesses that can contribute to the development of meningitis. Patients with leukemia may not make good candidates for live vaccines because of their weakened immune systems, according to the website medscape.com. But many live vaccines are also available in inactivated form.

Wash Your Hands

• Cleanliness is critical when you're trying to avoid diseases like meningitis. Wash your hands frequently, after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating meals. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don't have access to soap and water. Many of the viruses and bacteria that contribute to the development of meningitis find their way into the body through the mouth, eyes and nose. If you keep your hands clean, they'll have a tougher job invading your body.

Help From Loved Ones

• Enlist help from loved ones in staying healthy. Explain that your immune system is vulnerable and ask them to wait a day or two to visit if they've been ill. Ask them to wash their hands when they enter your home. If you are hospitalized, the staff may have strict rules for ensuring that you aren't exposed to meningitis or other harmful illnesses. Visitors may need to use hand sanitizer or wear gloves before they enter your room. Depending on your condition, they may also have to wear face masks and gowns to avoid passing germs to you.