Discharge Instructions for Immunocompromised Patients

Medicine

• Take your medicines exactly as told.

• Don’t take any other medicines, including over-the-counter ones, unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Tell your provider about any side effects you have.

Skin care

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom. Make sure you wash them before and after changing any dressing or bandages.

• Stay out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreen that is labeled hypoallergenic. Make sure it has an SPF of 30 or higher. 

• Use an electric razor for shaving so you don't cut yourself.

• Check your skin daily for irritation, cracks, or rashes.

FOOD

• Follow the directions of your medical team about what is safe for you to eat or drink.

• Wash well any fruits or vegetables that you are going to eat raw. Peel them if you can.

• Cook all food to a safe temperature.

• Follow all food safety guidelines.

• Do not use any unpasteurized milk, dairy products, or juices.

Keep your home clean

• Clean floors, carpets, furniture, and counter tops regularly. Use products that kill germs.

• Keep your kitchen clean. Cook and store all foods safely.

• Keep your bathroom clean.

• Don't keep plants or flowers indoors. If you garden, wear gloves. Also ask your healthcare provider if you should wear a mask.

• Wash your hands after handling trash.

Prevent colds and the flu

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and face. Make sure you wash your hands before eating.

• Stay away from large crowds of people, such as at social gatherings and in public places.

• Limit visits with young children. They often have colds or the flu.

• Stay away from anyone who has a cold, the flu, or other contagious condition (such as measles, chickenpox, herpes, pinkeye, cough, or sore throat).

• Check with your provider about whether or not you should wear a mask when you are around people or out in public.

• Check with your provider about recommended vaccines.

• Stay away from people who are not up-to-date on their vaccines, including those for COVID and the flu.

Other ways to lower your risk for infection

• Check with your provider before having close contact with others.

• Ask your provider before using cosmetics, contact lenses, tampons, or douches.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

• Don't share towels, eating utensils, or drinking cups with anyone.

• Don’t use humidifiers or vaporizers.

• Stay away from animals.

  • If you do touch an animal, wash your hands afterward right away.

  • Don't come into contact with pet urine or feces.

  • Don’t clean litter boxes, cages, or aquariums.

• Don't wade, sit, or swim in lakes, rivers, pools, or hot tubs. Try not to swallow water that is not safe for drinking.

• Check with your provider before cutting your nails. It may be advised that you file your nails instead. If you have trouble cutting or filing your own toenails, a podiatrist or foot healthcare provider can help. Don't get manicures or pedicures at a salon.

• To prevent injuring your feet or coming in contact with germs, always wear socks and shoes, even in your home.

• Drink safe filtered water either by using a home water filter, boiling your water (then cooling it) before drinking, or buying commercially bottled water.

• Always practice safer sex to prevent all sexually transmitted diseases.

• Take care when traveling. Talk with your healthcare provider for guidelines, especially when traveling abroad.

Follow-up care

Make sure you see your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible. You will likely have an exam and more tests, if needed. You will also have a chance to ask questions.

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Blurred vision or eye problems

• Trouble concentrating

• Ongoing fatigue

• Rapid, irregular heartbeat

• Rash or hives

• New cough

• Sore throat, or white patches or sores in your mouth

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Skin cut or sore that swells, turns red, feels hot or painful, or begins to ooze

• Fever of  100.4° F ( 38°C) or higher, or chills

• Diarrhea that does not go away after  2 loose stools

• Pain or cramping in the belly

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness of the throat

• Trouble breathing or talking

• Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded

• Skin or lips that turn blue, gray, or purple in color

• Feeling of doom