You can also access this information as a booklet: An essential guide to dealing with infections. You can order a physical copy on our Order or download publications webpage.
Key facts about stem cell transplant and infection
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- It’s normal and expected to have an infection after your stem cell transplant. This can happen at any time during recovery, not just while you’re in hospital for your transplant.
- You don’t need to have a temperature to have an infection. If your temperature is normal or unusually low but you don’t feel well, contact your transplant team to discuss your symptoms.
- It’s important that you balance keeping yourself safe from infection with doing the things you enjoy. Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
- It’s recommended that you have the flu vaccination every year after your transplant.
- You will need to have your childhood and COVID-19 vaccinations repeated once your immune system has recovered. Read more about COVID-19 and your stem cell transplant.
Important!
This information is a general guide and applies to all types of stem cell transplant. Please speak to your medical team about your individual risk and treatment for infections. They will know your situation best.
The nurses and doctors supporting you are very experienced in dealing with infections, so it's good to trust in their care. It's natural to feel anxious about infection after your transplant, but it's important to try to balance this with getting back to a normal life.
Rachel, Anthony Nolan Lead Nurse
How do I know if I have an infection?
It’s important to spot the signs of an infection as early as possible to stop it becoming too severe. You know your body best and you can tell when something isn’t right, so have the confidence to contact your medical team and get checked out.
You should check with your transplant team to:
- find out how to best check for infections
- know who to contact if you think you have an infection.
Some symptoms of infection include:
- a temperature of 38°C or above*
- uncontrolled shivering (also known as rigors)
- a cough or chest pain
- shortness of breath or fatigue
- redness, pain or discharge around a Hickman, Central or PICC line or Port
- being sick or stomach pain
- pain when having a wee or your wee being smelly
- diarrhoea (runny poo) or blood in your poo
- generally feeling unwell.
*Your temperate might also rise or fall suddenly. Keep a thermometer (in good working order) at home and take your temperature regularly, especially if you are feeling unwell. Some medications, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and steroids, can mask changes in temperature, so look out for other symptoms too.
Be aware of what your body is telling you. Tune in to it and recognise when something feels different or off. And tell your clinical nurse specialist straight away to get things checked out.
Steve, who had a stem cell transplant to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). You can read his story on our blog.
When might I get an infection?
It’s normal to get infections as your immune system recovers after a stem cell transplant. When you get them and how well your body copes with infections will vary throughout your recovery.
During your transplant and when you’re in the early stages of recovery, your white blood cell (the cells in your body that fight infection) counts will be low. That means the risk of infection is greater. How long this will last depends on how well your blood counts are recovering and the type of transplant you had.
Patients who have autografts (a transplant using your own stem cells) are expected to have a low white blood cell count for less time than those who have had an allograft (a transplant using stem cells from a sibling or unrelated donor). This is largely because, when having an allograft, medication is given to suppress your immune system. This leaves you more vulnerable to infections for a longer time. These medications are very important in controlling your immune system so that the new stem cells can grow. It’s a balance of allowing your new stem cells to regenerate while keeping you safe from infections.
As you recover and your immune system becomes stronger, the risk of infection gets lower. However, it’s important to remember that white blood cell counts can go up and down. This is normal, especially if you have had an allograft.
It can be disappointing and daunting if you get an infection while you recover. Sometimes this might mean you have to be admitted back into hospital for treatment. As frustrating as this is, remember it’s a normal part of recovery.
Important!
Don’t worry about reporting something that turns out to be a false alarm. Nobody will be upset with you. It’s more important that concerns are raised so that if treatment is needed, it can be given as quickly as possible.
What happens if I get an infection?
You will most likely have blood samples taken if you and your medical team think you have an infection. One of the samples taken are called ‘cultures’ which will be sent to the microbiology lab to see if a specific infection can be identified.
Other tests that might be performed are below. Some of these are routine while some will only be taken if there are specific symptoms:
- Swabs – oral, nasal, wound, Hickman, central or PICC line
- A sample of fluid taken from inside your nose, called a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA)
- A sample of saliva (your spit), called a sputum sample
- A poo sample
- A wee sample
- Chest x-ray
Types of infection and treatment
Infections are caused by different bugs – bacterial, viral or fungal – and the treatment for each is different. Sometimes, even after taking a sample of blood or other bodily fluid, specific infections will not always be identified. This is normal. Treatment will start immediately if you have a suspected infection, even if your medical team don’t know exactly what the infection is.
The initial treatment will include antibiotics. Your medical team will decide on further treatment depending on:
- how your body responds to the antibiotics
- if anything is identified from your samples in the laboratory
- how well your immune system has recovered after your stem cell transplant.
There are three ways that treatment can be given:
Intravenously (IV)
This will be via a drip, as an infusion or all at once in a syringe (called a push) and given through your line or cannula. This type of treatment is most common in the early stages of recovery while your counts are still recovering or if you are unwell. It will usually involve you being admitted to hospital.
Orally
This will be as a tablet or liquid to be swallowed. This type of treatment is used more often once your immune system has recovered and if your infection is mild. It may also be used if you finish a course of IV antibiotics and your team discharges you home to carry on with treatment for a period of time.
Inhalation
Some types of lung infections require medications to be given via a nebulizer. You will need to wear a mask to receive this and, in some cases, will have to be admitted to hospital. However, it can sometimes be given in an outpatient clinic.
Specific infections to be aware of
The infections below are more common if you have had an allograft transplant. In general, treatment of these infections will need to start as soon as possible. Get in touch with your transplant team even if you are only a little bit suspicious that you may have an infection. It’s always best to discuss any concerns you have.
Neutropenic sepsis
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A neutrophil is a specific type of white blood cell that fights infection. Your neutrophil numbers can drop very low after your transplant. If you get an infection that your body cannot fight during this period, this is called ‘neutropenic sepsis’. This can develop very quickly and can be life-threatening, so it’s important that you are vigilant for signs of infection.
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
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PCP is a fungus that causes pneumonia. People who have had a stem cell transplant and are on immunosuppression are at a higher risk of developing it. You will need to be put on preventative medication to be protected against this. This can be either as a regular inhalation or oral tablet. Symptoms can include a cough, difficulty breathing, high temperature and chest pain which gets worse when breathing or coughing. A diagnosis will involve a chest x-ray and sputum (spit) samples.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and adenovirus
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These are common viruses that 60-90 % of the general population will have been exposed to by the time they reach adulthood. After the initial infection, these viruses remain dormant (asleep) and cause no symptoms or illness. Because people who have had a stem cell transplant have a suppressed immune system, these viruses can activate (wake up) and may need to be treated.
You’ll be regularly monitored for these viruses after transplant via routine blood samples. If a virus is detected, your team will discuss with you what treatment you need. It’s important to know that you might not feel unwell or have any symptoms before it is detected by a blood test. In many cases, it is still important to treat you at this stage, even if you feel well. This is to prevent the viruses causing very severe infection.
Shingles
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Shingles can occur when the virus that causes chickenpox ‘reactivates’. Like CMV, EBV, and adenovirus, once you have experienced chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body forever. When you are healthy, your immune system manages to stop the virus reactivating. However, when recovering from a stem cell transplant with a suppressed immune system, the risk of the developing shingles increases.
You will be on preventative medication to reduce the chance of shingles developing but you must avoid being around anyone with shingles or chickenpox until your immune system has completely recovered. If you think you might have been exposed to anyone with shingles or chickenpox, even if you have no symptoms, please let a member of your transplant team know straight away. They will take some more details from you and decide whether you need any other preventative medication.
Shingles can occur anywhere on the body. Symptoms include:
- burning pain and itchiness on your skin
- red raised lesions or blisters, which develop in a line as they usually follow the path of a nerve.
If you think you could be developing symptoms, please let a member of your transplant team know immediately. Do not touch or scratch the blisters and do not apply any creams.
If you do develop shingles, it can be very contagious if anyone comes in direct contact with the skin rash. You should therefore avoid other people with suppressed immune systems, as well as anyone who is pregnant, as they are all at a higher risk of getting severe infections.
Respiratory infections
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Developing a respiratory or chest infection is very common after stem cell transplant, especially in winter.
The cause and treatment can vary so it’s important that you tell someone if you have any symptoms such as a dry, wet, or painful cough or shortness of breath. Even if you feel fine when you sit but experience unusual shortness of breath when you walk small distances, you should let your transplant team know. A small change can be a sign that a chest infection is developing so it is better to start treatment early. Chest infections that are not treated can quickly develop into more serious lung infections.
If you go to the outpatient department for a suspected chest infection, tell the reception staff immediately as they might decide to take you straight to a single room. This is to prevent the spread of infections to other patients.
Central venous catheter (CVC) infections
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A central line is normally fitted shortly before your chemotherapy is due to start or before your admission for transplant. It’s a thin tube that goes through the skin near your collarbone and into the large vein that leads into your heart (also called a Hickman line).
Alternatively, you may have a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in your upper arm in to one of the main veins either in your arm or chest. Both lines enable the nurses and doctors to take blood samples, deliver the stem cells and treat you without using a needle every time.
Although it is safe to have a CVC, there can be a risk of causing infection and you should be aware of signs of infection such as redness, pain, discharge from the site, a temperature and rigors (uncontrolled shivering). A CVC line can carry an infection even without these symptoms so if you have a temperature alone, the CVC site will be swabbed, and the swab sent to the laboratory. If you do develop an infection in your CVC line, treatment can include antibiotics and sometimes the CVC will be removed.
CVC infections can develop very quickly so it’s important that you contact a member of your team immediately if you have any concerns.
A virus like the common cold doesn't need treatment, but for other viruses you might need to come into hospital to have a nebuliser. If you have a cough, it could be a bacterial infection and you might need antibiotics.
Rachel, Anthony Nolan Lead Nurse
How can I prevent infection?
Infections are a natural part of recovery. They cannot always be avoided. However, it's important to know how to best protect yourself. Try to find a balance between protecting yourself and living your best life.
You should be particularly vigilant when your white cell count is low, and you are on immunosuppressants.
Below is a general guide for you to follow, but you should also talk to your transplant team for more specific advice.
Medication
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You will take preventative medications to protect you from viral and fungal infections as soon as you are admitted to hospital for your transplant. Ask your team to explain what these drugs are so you understand what they are for. It’s important that you take these medications. If you are struggling to take them, you must let your transplant team know so they can try different ways to protect you.
Hickman line care
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Be aware of how to keep your Hickman/central/PICC line clean and when it needs to be flushed by a nurse. You will know more than anyone when it was last cleaned, and when dressings were changed.
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You will take preventative medications to protect you from viral and fungal infections as soon as you are admitted to hospital for your transplant. Ask your team to explain what these drugs are so you understand what they are for. It’s important that you take these medications. If you are struggling to take them, you must let your transplant team know so they can try different ways to protect you.
Hickman line care
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Be aware of how to keep your Hickman/central/PICC line clean and when it needs to be flushed by a nurse. You will know more than anyone when it was last cleaned, and when dressings were changed.
Family and friends
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It can be difficult to know as a family member or friend what you need to do to lower the risk of infections. The best advice is to take a common sense approach. Always wash your hands and always say if you are not feeling well or have been in close contact with someone who is unwell. If you have children or grandchildren, it should be fine for them to be around the person who has had the transplant if they are well.
If you have any concerns at all, speak to the transplant team and they will advise you on what action to take. It’s a balance of keeping people safe while they recover and not limiting them from spending time with people they love. Most of the precautions below should also be followed by family and friends to reduce the risk of infections.
Practical advice
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- Always wash your hands using hot water and soap or alcohol-based hand gel. Dry your hands thoroughly, particularly before eating and after going to the bathroom.
- Avoid being near anyone who has a cough, cold, is being sick or has diarrhoea. If you do come into contact with anyone with these symptoms, wash your hands straight away.
- Have a digital thermometer at home that you can use to check your temperature. Taking it at roughly the same time every day will help you know what is normal for you and you will then be able to recognise if it changes.
- If you think you might have an infection when attending an outpatient appointment, please let the receptionist know as they might decide to take you straight to a single room to isolate you. This is to prevent the spread of infections to other patients.
- Wash your hands after you have been in contact with pets or animals, and avoid handling their poo. You can happily give that job to somebody else!
- Avoid handling any garden/pond waste.
- As much as possible, try to minimise contact with large crowds and travelling on public transport.
- Always practise safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Make sure that your family or those that you live with are up to date with their vaccinations. For example, family members in close contact with you should receive the flu vaccine.
Eating and drinking
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- Follow good food hygiene practice.
- Make sure all food is cooked properly and avoid eating meat that is served rare, shellfish, raw or undercooked eggs, and blue cheeses.
- Wash any fruit and vegetables under running water before eating.
- Keep food refrigerated and do not leave food out of the fridge for long periods.
- Defrost food in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Do not re-heat food more than once.
- Only eat in restaurants with freshly prepared food. Avoid food that has been left out on display including from salad bars and buffets.
- Try and drink at least two litres of water a day.
Although you should avoid foods that cause infection, it’s important that you maintain your weight and keep hydrated to keep strong in case you develop an infection. Loss of appetite is common after transplant. If you struggle to follow the dietary advice given for after your transplant, speak to your dietician who can give you alternatives.
Vaccinations
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All vaccinations, including from childhood and COVID-19, will no longer protect you after you’ve had a stem cell transplant. It’s recommended that these vaccinations are repeated to protect you from preventable infections.
Your transplant team will guide you as to when this should start but it will generally depend on how well your blood counts are recovering, how much immunosuppression you are on, and if you are free from infections. In most cases, your GP will be asked to give you the vaccinations.
The vaccinations will be given in several stages. The first vaccines may be started as early as three to six months after your transplant, depending on the factors listed above. They will include inactive vaccinations, which are safe to have even if your immune system is still recovering. Live vaccines may be given from around two years after transplant, if your white cell counts have recovered and if you are no longer on any medication to suppress your immune system.
Ask your transplant team for a copy of the vaccination schedule so you know what to expect. It can take time to complete all the vaccinations so please don’t be concerned, it’s completely normal. Until you have completed the vaccinations, you should avoid anyone known to have an infectious disease.
I am not a believer in locking yourself away in your house to try and avoid infection. personally, I think your mental wellbeing is more important, as is building up your physical strength and getting back into society.
Emma, who had two stem cell transplants to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). You can read her story on our blog.
Your wellbeing
It can be easy to isolate yourself away, not see your family and friends or go out for fear of getting an infection. It’s important to balance looking after yourself with doing the things you enjoy. Looking after your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. We recommend a common sense approach. Below are a few tips to help find the right balance:
- See family and friends in smaller groups which will not feel so overwhelming.
- Plan trips out at quieter times of the day to avoid large crowds.
- Ask your children’s school to let you know if there are any infections going around the school. Even if your children are not affected, you will still need to be aware.
- If being affectionate is a normal part of your relationships, then continue to do this if there is no risk of infection. Discuss any questions you might have with a member of your transplant team that you feel comfortable with. You can read our Sex and Relationships webpage for more information.
- Carry out jobs in the garden in short periods and wear gloves.
- You do not need to deep clean your house. Cleaning it as normal is enough.
Long term
As your immune system recovers, becomes stronger and gains immunity, the risks of infection decrease over time. As a result, the preventative medications will be stopped. Your appointments at the transplant centre will decrease and you will go back to seeing your GP rather than your transplant team if you develop any infections.
Although you should be able to get back to life as it was before the transplant, there are still a few things that you should be aware of:
- You might take the antibiotic Penicillin V for the rest of your life as protection against certain bacteria.
- You might always be a bit more susceptible to infections like colds and coughs and it might take you a bit longer than your family and friends to recover.
- It’s recommended that you have the flu vaccination every year for life.
- If you develop chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) and remain on immunosuppressants, you will always be at a higher risk of infection.
Information published: 19/06/23
Next review due: 19/06/26
Related links
Diet after a stem cell transplant
