What do you do about people wanting to hug you?

Coloman

While in treatment I am paranoid about everyone snorting, sneezing, coughing, etc. Then you add that to someone who wants to run up and hug you. I don't want hugs! How do you fend them off without just yelling at them?

Teelee3

Interesting that you mention that. I’m in treatment and went out with my daughter the other day. I ran into several people I know (I live in a small town) and ended up with hugs from every one of them. There’s a horrible flu going around and I thought later that I have to come up with a polite way to keep hugs away for now.

Coloman

Yes, Teelee, that's what I have experienced and I hate to act like they have the plague or something, but I am just afraid I will catch whatever crud they have. Most people don't understand that a simple cold or worse, the flu, is harder on us than on them.

Dawsonsmom

I think when people try to hug, tell them your oncologist told you to avoid hugging others during treatment because your immune system is so compromised and you cannot afford the risk of any kind of infection is paramount. If they get offended, that’s on them. They’ll be offended but you won’t be risking an infection.

PhillieG

I start coughing then proceed to tell them about my recent trip to China

Bengal

Phillie, love it! Dawsonsmom, I agree with that approach. When I was in treatment I told people my immune system was compromised and keep their distance. Your little cold could literally kill me! I remember one "friend" with an obvious severe cold getting right up in my face knowing I was in the middle of chemo. How stupid. Like you said, if they get offended that's on them. One positive thing that came out of my cancer experience was to make me much more outspoken.

LiveWithCancer

I'm the world's worst about being the initiator of hugs. At my church, everyone hugs... So far, there have been no ill effects from it... (But, I am definitely not a worrier and I suppose I am healthier than a lot of cancer fighters are).