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. Cover your cough or sneeze.
Limit the spread of germs by teaching your child to sneeze and cough into tissues that are immediately thrown away, then clean their hands right after. Ask the staff if your child should wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of germs. Even if your child doesn't feel sick, they could be carrying germs that can make others sick.
4. Keep an eye on bandages.
If a dressing on a wound or IV gets wet or loose, let your nurse know. Also tell your nurse if your child has a catheter or drainage tube that 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 they wash 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.