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We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

Read our essential information about what to look out for and what to do if you have blood cancer and think you have an infection.

Blood cancer and infection

Find out why people with blood cancer are at risk from infection and sepsis, and what questions to ask your hospital team about your personal level of risk.
Sunny is sat on the edge of a bed with his elbows on his knees, his head resting in his hands. He is slightly out of focus, and behind him you can clearly see a glass of water and packet of tablets on the bedside table.

Infection symptoms and what to do

An infection can turn into an emergency if you have blood cancer. So it's vital to know the symptoms of infection and what to do if you spot any.
A speeding NHS ambulance

What to say in A&E

Find out what happens if you need to go to Accident and Emergency with a suspected infection, and what to say when you get there.
Close up of the hand of someone lying in a hospital bed with a cannula inserted.

Neutropenia and neutropenic sepsis

Find out how what neutropenia is and how it puts you particular risk of infection and sepsis. Learn how to manage infection risk if you're neutropenic.
Someone washing their hands thoroughly under a tap.

Managing your infection risk

There are ways to manage your risk of infection. These include medicines, vaccinations and carefully following general hygiene guidelines.

Living with infection risk

It's important to find a balance between staying safe and getting on with your life. Find out how to make your own decisions and what to tell other people.
A forest of trees with question marks on them

Your infection questions answered

We get lots of questions about infection to our support line. Our Support Nurse Heidi answers some of the questions people have asked.
Two women shot from behind in a hospital setting: a woman with red hair lays her head on a dark-haired woman's shoulder

Protecting someone with blood cancer from infection

What if it's not you, but a family member or a friend who is at risk of infection? Learn how you can be supportive and help keep them safe.

Your free infection alert card

Our credit-card sized guide includes:

  • symptoms to look out for
  • space to write your symptoms
  • what to do if you have symptoms
  • what to say if you go to A&E.

Order now for yourself, your family and friends

The Blood Cancer UK infection alert card, with bright red cover, shown both folded and opened up to reveal the contents

This information about infection, neutropenia and sepsis is accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review November 2024. Next full review due November 2027. We may make factual updates to the information between reviews.

We would like to thank Consultant Haematologists Dr Ailsa Holroyd and Dr Piers Patten, Lead Nurse Jodie Nightingill and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Amanda Lane for checking the clinical accuracy of this information, and Anthony, David, Emma, Gail, Jacquie, Jane, Jess, Kat, Kayleigh, Mat, Moira and Ritesh for supporting this project and sharing their experiences.

Many thanks also to Consultant Acute Physician Professor Matt Inada-Kim and NHS England for checking our page about What to say in A&E, and to specialist haematology dietitians Natasha Jones and Victoria Mace who checked Eating safely with neutropenia.