Low white blood cell count
Overview
A low white blood cell count usually means your body is not making enough white blood cells. It can increase your risk of getting infections.
Symptoms
A low white blood cell count does not always cause any symptoms. The main symptom is getting frequent infections. Signs of an infection may include: a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiverysore throatmouth sores that keep coming backtoothacheskin rashestirednessflu-like symptoms A blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is low.
Treatment
Treatment for a low white blood cell count depends on what's causing it. Treatment often includesantibiotics. If it's caused by a medicine or other treatment you're having, you may need to stop the treatment or change your dose. You may also need specific treatment: to boost your white blood cellsif you've got an infection Occasionally, infections can lead to a life-threatening condition calledsepsis.
Prevention
If you have a low white blood cell count caused by illness, cancer treatment or medicine, it's important to take steps to avoid infections. avoid close contact with people who are sick avoid close contact with people who are sick store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly use an electric shaver instead of a razor use an electric shaver instead of a razor avoid shared hot tubs avoid shared hot tubs do not share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or make-up do not share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or make-up do not eat raw foods like meat, shellfish and eggs do not eat raw foods like meat, shellfish and eggs do not change cat litter or handle animal poo do not change cat litter or handle animal poo do not change nappies do not change nappies do not walk outside barefoot do not walk outside barefoot do not swim in ponds, lakes and rivers do not swim in ponds, lakes and rivers