Table 4.

Infection control strategy for cancer patients

General preventive measures (for both patients and family members)

Repeatedly wash with soap water or alcohol based hand rubs

Use of homemade cloth masks or a medical mask, if having respiratory symptoms

Cover nose and mouth with a bent elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose of the tissue immediately after use, and perform hand hygiene

Don’t touch your face, nose, and eyes

Avoid gatherings of people

Don’t shake hands

Keep windows and doors open as much as possible to make rooms well ventilated

Don’t share objects contaminated with body secretions, e.g., saliva contaminated food items

Special precautions for cancer patients and caregivers

Do’s

Do limit the number of visitors at home, allow maximum 2 visitors at a time

Maintain at least 1 meter distance from visitors

Made visitors wash hands with soap water or alcohol based hand rub before entering the house

Make a joint plan with family, friends and neighbors for help if you become unwell

Have the helpline teleconsultation number of your oncological center for emergency help

Try to contact your oncological center before a scheduled visit, postpone if possible with their guidance

Arrange your daily medications and over the counter items (tissue paper, mask, thermometers) for at least one month

Be active, if possible

Don’ts

Don’t indulge in social media or electronic media watching, which can create panic

Don’t allow visitors with respiratory complaints at home

Don’t come in contact with family members having respiratory symptoms

Don’t isolate yourself completely from family