Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Risks Of Interaction With Sepsis Patient While Suffering From Esophageal Cancer?
Posted on
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Answered on
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Having had chemo,radiation and surgery for esophageal concer last year, I want to know if staying in the home of a friend who is currently being treated for sepsis poses any risk to me. My cocologists say "No";my internist and gastroenterologist say" yes"-stay away and I want to know
1/ is there a risk?
2/what is the risk or are the risks?
3/Why the totally different answers from 2 of the 4 doctors?
4/ What is the optimum way for me to interact with my friend?
total avoidance, no hand or kiss contact, or what do you recommend.
I am extremely frustrated and confused by these different answers with an expl;anation
My internist gave me a strep test which is negative.
1/ is there a risk?
2/what is the risk or are the risks?
3/Why the totally different answers from 2 of the 4 doctors?
4/ What is the optimum way for me to interact with my friend?
total avoidance, no hand or kiss contact, or what do you recommend.
I am extremely frustrated and confused by these different answers with an expl;anation
My internist gave me a strep test which is negative.
Brief Answer:
Short interaction with your friend is acceptable if you are in good health
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Cancer and sepsis are seen closely by many health care professionals. There is a small increased relative risk of sepsis in cancer patients and therefore the various opinions about it.
2. The risks vary with the specific cancer, location, hospitalization and general health of the patient. Esophageal cancer is among the lower risk groups and that is the probable reason your oncologist says the risk is less. The increased relative risk is about 1.4 percent.
3. The doctors might give opinions based on their interaction with patients in the past. The oncologist would have seen several cancer patients and his statistics are more accurate when considering cancer patients and sepsis. The other two doctors might not have seen many cancer patients and that is why they are taking more precaution in advising you against interacting with your friend.
4. Since sepsis is a difficult condition to treat in many people, it will help to know what exactly is happening with your friend. Sepsis patients are hospitalized for treatment and recovery might take time and unfortunately some patients might never make a recovery.
5. If your general health is excellent and blood counts are normal then you might probably meet her for a few minutes. While a gentle handshake and small peck on the cheek is not a concern, if you want to have a short talk with her then sitting about 6 feet away from her is suggested. Standing away will prevent any droplets or other contamination from coming in contact with you.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Short interaction with your friend is acceptable if you are in good health
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Cancer and sepsis are seen closely by many health care professionals. There is a small increased relative risk of sepsis in cancer patients and therefore the various opinions about it.
2. The risks vary with the specific cancer, location, hospitalization and general health of the patient. Esophageal cancer is among the lower risk groups and that is the probable reason your oncologist says the risk is less. The increased relative risk is about 1.4 percent.
3. The doctors might give opinions based on their interaction with patients in the past. The oncologist would have seen several cancer patients and his statistics are more accurate when considering cancer patients and sepsis. The other two doctors might not have seen many cancer patients and that is why they are taking more precaution in advising you against interacting with your friend.
4. Since sepsis is a difficult condition to treat in many people, it will help to know what exactly is happening with your friend. Sepsis patients are hospitalized for treatment and recovery might take time and unfortunately some patients might never make a recovery.
5. If your general health is excellent and blood counts are normal then you might probably meet her for a few minutes. While a gentle handshake and small peck on the cheek is not a concern, if you want to have a short talk with her then sitting about 6 feet away from her is suggested. Standing away will prevent any droplets or other contamination from coming in contact with you.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
