INFECTION RISK
Due to Toms severely suppressed immune system it is extremely important that he stays clear of any communicable virus's such a colds which can prove fatal to him.
I have spoken with our doctor and this is what she tells me. If anybody in the family has been in contact with somebody that has a cold etc then you must wait at least 7 days after the symptoms have passed and that person is well again before visiting Tom. Remember, although you may not feel ill, a virus could already be in your system for 3-4 days without showing any symptoms at all, ready to pass itself on to the next unsuspecting person.
If you have been in close contact with somebody that in turn is in close contact with somebody that is sick, it is not unfeasible that that person could have the virus ready to pass it on.
So bottom line is this, you need to wait 7 days from last contact with anybody that is ill, or if that person has been in contact with somebody that is ill.
I think everybody will agree that it is frustrating not being able to see Tom, but this is a short term issue, making sure we do everything within our powers to keep Tom clear of infection whilst he has his treatment.
Although something we can address in the future, in answer to a question that has been asked a few times now, this is NOT over after transplant, it will be imperative that we follow this protocol for at least 1 year-That is not a typo, 1 year, his immune system will be shot after this and will take a long time to rebuild. A cure is our goal, please think carefully before you visit.
Oh, I almost forgot, in order to reduce the risk to Tom, we are not allowing anybody who has been on an airplane or train within the last 7 days to visit Tom
If you do visit the house we do have a few small rules. No outdoor foot is allowed in the house, but no bare feet either, you need to kick off your shoes when you enter the house, and wear clean socks. This helps us keep dirt/bacteria off the floor/carpets. Also, the next thing will be to immediately wash your hands, not in the kitchen were we prepare food, but in the laundry or guest bathroom next to the laundry, for a minimum of 15 seconds, just pretend your performing surgery :). If you have to leave the house, to go out to your car for example, then it's back on with the shoes.. out to the car..back to the house, and the same thing applies, scrub up.
If you cough or sneeze whilst in the house, we need you to immediately go wash up your hands again, without touching anything on the way. Hand washing is extremely important, and you certainly can't wash them enough in our book. We've lived this way for over one year and believe it has contributed to Toms well being. I'd hope we don't have to mention to anybody that when you go to the bathroom, please remember.. yes you guessed it.. scrub those hands and nails clean.
With these precautions including staying away from ill folks we're able to keep Tom in tip top shape, we trust that you understand.