Neutropenia and the Necessary Precautions

Neutropenia is the pathologic state of the immune system having a low count of neutrophils. Neutrophils are the white blood cells of the body that makes up 50-70% of the entire population. It functions as primary cellular defense against bacteria and viruses that were able to invade the blood and subcutaneous tissues. Neutropenia is classified into three subgroups: mild (<1,500 ANC), moderate (<1,000 ANC), or severe (<500 ANC) based on the laboratory absolute neutrophil count (ANC) measurement of cells per microliter of blood. Any neutropenic individual is advised follow the universal standard precautions: such as wearing a mask at all times; refrain from having direct contact with other individual with infectious diseases; proper and constant hand washing and bathing; avoid eating/drinking unfamiliar food or fluids. It is important to note that the lower the ANC the greater the risk and susceptibility of a neutropenic individual to fevers and frequent infections.