My mom was moved to the oncology unit while she was in the hospital and there was sign that said there are no flowers allowed there and we couldnt figure out why
2006-09-26 10:17:39 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
People being treated for cancer have weak immune systems. Flowers can potentially have bacteria and fungi on them. There is the potential that the cancer patient could get an infection from the flowers. They also recommend no fresh fruits or vegetables for the same reason.
2006-09-26 15:27:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the immune system has been compromised with the chemicals and the condtion being treated, the flowers can and often do cause allergies due to pollen, or the fragrances and/or any germ, bacteria, etc., the flower may carry by being handled and being in an unsterile environment. I wish your mom a speedy and full recovery.
2006-09-26 17:24:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Outside germs, viruses etc.
When you're an inpatient in oncology, there are a lot of immune system-compromised people there.
When I was in the hosp., I couldn't even have fresh fruits and vegetables to eat for the same reason.
Best wishes to you and your mom.
2006-09-27 08:26:33 · answer #3 · answered by Char 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told that it is because flowers and live plants can carry fungus and molds. A person undergoing chemotherapy has a very suppressed immune system and can easily get a fungal infection that is extremely difficult to treat.
These are also not allowed in ICU.
2006-09-26 17:51:05 · answer #4 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oncology patients are often very sensitive to fragrances, the smell of flowers literally nauseates them. They are also very susceptible to the pollens that flowers can spread about.
2006-09-26 17:20:10 · answer #5 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flowers and plants carry germs and fungus, so does fresh fruit. Immunocompromized patients (post chemotherapy) are extremely succeptible to infection and so no flowers, plants, fresh fruits or veggies. We tell the familiy to send them a nice pair of slippers or pj's. instead of the fast food, fresh fruit and flowers.
Oncology RN x 12 yrs.
2006-09-26 22:08:29 · answer #6 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly due to bacteria and germs on the flowers. Perhaps as the people on the ward are mega vunerable to infection they prefer to err on the side of caution.
2006-09-26 17:19:53 · answer #7 · answered by Bubbles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they release orders, bacteria and other germs not to mention pollen. All of these mess with the other patients and equipment in the hospital. Sorry.
2006-09-26 17:21:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Allergies and weak immune systems, flowers carry germs you know.
2006-09-26 17:19:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flowers can carry insects inside of them and she might get an allergic reaction from them.
2006-09-26 17:28:27 · answer #10 · answered by Boricua Born 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋