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.

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.

• 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