Re: Immune compromise and working in practice

Chippet — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 10:47:04 GMT

I would agree, it should be left entirely up to the consultant what she can/can't do. I would assume they already know what she does for a living and should have thought about the risks. I've not experienced it directly myself, but 8 months ago my boyfriend, who I live with, had a stem cell transplant and so was severely immunosuppressed. He was in hospital until his neutrophils were above 1, but then came home. He wasn't allowed to pick up our dogs poo, wasn't allowed her near his face, and had to wash his hands after he touched her. As his immune system improved, they relaxed. I suppose what I'm saying is it depends HOW suppressed she'll be. Also bear in mind if you are a mixed practice, all sorts of nasties farm animals, and if your farm vets are anything like ours, aren't the cleanest and could bring things off farm into practice.... I was mega stressed about coccidiosis, even though it was unlikely for me to get it, never mind take it home for him to get.

Re: Immune compromise and working in practice

Chris Geddes — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:30:14 GMT

I would advise the person to check with their consultant, and if consultant can't advise. ask them to find out, or for specialist nurse to find out. Depends a lot on dose.

I have been on both of the above and didn't get any infections but I wasn't in practice at the time. I think the common sense precautions you suggest are wise but no cause for panic. Getting things from other people is far more of a risk - keeping away from people with colds for example. When I was on the drugs, if someone insisted on turning up to work with a bug I went home.