The area around a wound must be kept clean and reasonably moist. When the dressings are dirty, they need to be replaced promptly. Leaving bandages on too long can slow the healing process and encourage infection. Replace any dressing when…

Reports are that immunosuppressed patients have a higher risk for infection, but the frequency of colds and flu should not be much elevated. Patients should tell the doctor about chicken pox or tuberculosis (active or not as it could reactivate),…

Prednisone may distort lab tests. Allergy tests and tuberculosis tests will be invalid. Pap smears may be misinterpreted as cervical dysplasia. Test results for tuberculosis and cancer may also be affected. Other medications may also interfere with medical test results. If…