Can I have visitors during chemotherapy?

Generally, yes. Staying connected to family and friends is good for you, and cancer treatment doesn't have to mean cutting off visits. The main thing to think about is infection risk, since some cancers and treatments — like chemotherapy — lower the number of white blood cells that fight infection.

The National Cancer Institute recommends a few general precautions: avoid visitors who are sick or have a cold, avoid crowds, and steer clear of anyone who has just had a live vaccine, such as vaccines for chicken pox, polio, or measles. It also recommends washing your hands often and well, and having visitors do the same.

Infection risk isn't the same throughout treatment — there are times when your white blood cell counts are especially low and risk is higher. Your care team can tell you whether there are specific times during your treatment cycle when you should be more cautious about visitors.

With a few sensible precautions, visits can stay a source of comfort rather than something to worry about.