Key Information for Your Child's Stay
5 ways to fight infections
Your child could come in contact with germs at the hospital. Reduce the chance of infection by taking these safety precautions:
1. Help your child wash their hands:
- after touching hospital objects or surfaces
- before eating
- after using the restroom
2. Ask hospital staff members to clean their hands.
3. Limit the spread of germs.
Teach your child to sneeze and cough into tissues that are immediately thrown away, and to avoid touching other people. Ask if there is anything else your child should do—like wear a surgical mask—to prevent the spread of germs.
4. Keep an eye on bandages.
If a bandage or IV becomes loose or wet, let the nurse know. Also if your child has a catheter or drainage tube, tell the nurse if it becomes loose or comes out.
5. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.
Make sure your child is protected from the spread of infection.
Cleaning Tip
Have your child use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer under nails, in between fingers, and on the palms and backs of hands. Sing a song with your child—like “Happy Birthday”—to make sure he or she washes for at least 20 seconds.
For Visitors
Tell friends and family not to visit if they are sick. And make sure all your child’s guests wash their hands when they enter the room.