Low white blood cell count

Common causes of a low white blood cell count include:

• cancer treatment, like radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• antipsychotic medicines
• medicine for an overactive thyroid
• some cancers, like leukaemia
• infections such as HIV or hepatitis
• autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Agranulocytosis and neutropenia are conditions that cause a low white blood cell count.

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 shivery
• sore throat
• mouth sores that keep coming back
• toothache
• skin rashes
• tiredness
• flu-like symptoms

A blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is low.

Treatment for a low white blood cell count depends on what's causing it. Treatment often includes antibiotics.

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 cells
• if you've got an infection

Occasionally, infections can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

• you know you're at risk of a low white blood cell count and you get an infection
• you keep getting infections

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

• store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning

• wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly

• use an electric shaver instead of a razor

• avoid shared hot tubs

• do not share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or make-up

• do not eat raw foods like meat, shellfish and eggs

• do not change cat litter or handle animal poo

• do not change nappies

• do not walk outside barefoot

• do not swim in ponds, lakes and rivers

Causes of a low white blood cell count include some cancers or cancer treatments, taking some medicines, and autoimmune conditions.

A low white blood cell count can cause frequent infections. Signs of an infection include a high temperature, sore throat and flu-like symptoms.

Treatment for a low white blood cell count depends on the cause. It's often treated with antibiotics.

If you have a low white blood cell count you can lower your chances of infections by avoiding people who are sick and trying to avoid food poisoning.