Respiratory Virus Prevention Guidelines

July 18, 2024 
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Tyler Seto, M.D., System Vice-President, Quality and Analytics, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte.

City of Hope® is committed to protecting the health and safety of patients, visitors and clinical providers. Our respiratory virus prevention guidelines help protect our patients, their loved ones and our clinicians from the risks associated with a variety of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Visitor Guidelines to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses

Most cancer patients have suppressed immune systems, which means that respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 pose a greater risk to their health. For this reason, we ask all visitors to adhere to the following guidelines, which help reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory viruses to our patients:

  • If you know or suspect that you have COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, you are not permitted to visit patients at City of Hope.
  • If anyone in your household feels sick or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you are not permitted to visit patients at City of Hope.
  • You should bring a face mask with you and follow all required masking policies during your visit, which include wearing a mask when you are around hematology patients or in inpatient areas.
  • If a staff member, family member or patient asks you to wear a mask, please do so.
  • Stay up to date on your recommended vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID-19 booster shots.
  • Help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses by washing your hands often with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

More information and recommendations on how to avoid spreading respiratory viruses are available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Virus Prevention

I am a patient and I feel sick. Should I still come to my appointment?

If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, muscle or body aches or congestion, please check with your care team to find out whether you should stay at home until you feel better. If you think you may have COVID-19, take a rapid test and contact your oncologist to discuss your next steps.

If I have chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant (BMT) scheduled, should I postpone it?

If you have no symptoms and no history of exposure to a virus, treatment can continue, as long as your doctor agrees. Postponing a BMT must be decided by your transplant doctor.

Can I get tested for COVID-19 at City of Hope?

If you are a patient, we may conduct COVID-19 testing as part of your care plan – for example, prior to admittance, surgery or other treatments. We do not offer testing to the public.

Does COVID-19 pose a risk to all cancer patients, or only those undergoing treatment?

Patients undergoing active treatment are at the greatest risk of complications related to COVID-19. Those who received a stem cell transplantation or CAR T cell therapy may be at higher risk for one year following their procedure, though they may remain immunocompromised for longer.

How do you ensure that visitor areas are sanitized?

We follow strict protocols that require that all high-traffic and high-touch areas, including our waiting rooms, are disinfected and sanitized multiple times a day. Wheelchairs and other equipment are disinfected with each use.

I have a question that was not answered here. Where can I go for help?

If you have questions or concerns related to respiratory virus prevention, contact your care team via the MyCityofHope patient portal.