Graft Versus Host Disease

What can be done to prevent the disease?

People who have a bone marrow transplant need to take powerful medications. These medications help suppress the donated white blood cells so they don't attack the person's body. Special blood filtering procedures or radiation of blood products may be performed to lessen the risk after a transfusion.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Graft versus host disease puts the affected person at a greater risk for infection. These infections are often severe since the person's immune system is already weakened by medications. Death may occur from graft versus host disease.

What are the risks to others?

Graft versus host disease is not contagious so there is no risk to others.