Daycare Illness Ways to Prevent Them

For some of us our Children have to go to daycare, we have no choice. Money has to be made. And we all know that your child is going to get sick when around other children, and most sickness when young are good for the child because it helps build their immune system. But there are lot of illnesses that can be prevented in daycare and in home settings just by remembering to wash hands and surfaces.

Hand washing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of infection.

Here are some ways to minimize the ways the infection can be spread-

Make sure to properly wash your hands, use warm water and liquid soap, rub hands together and scrub all over even under fingernails. Rinse and then use paper towels only, because fabric towels can hold bacteria. And you should wash your hands before you start work, eat, helping with an injury, preparing or serving food.

When changing diapers, use good hygiene and prepare by thoroughly cleaning the area before and after each use, as well as having an area to wash hands, and clean supplies near by. This area is a high traffic area for germs to spread and thrive.

Before each changing there should be a fresh sheet of paper on the table, The disposable paper will help with the spreading of germs, disposable gloves is a great idea as well, I would not even offer cloth diapers as a option for your daycare. And remember after each and every change disinfect the station and your hands, you may have a busy day, but it is important to sanitize in between each individual changing.

Toys and Play areas- Now we know that in a child care center, toys are shared so the transmittal of germs through the toys is hard to stop, so I would recommend that fabric toys and stuffed animals not be used. Now for the other toys washing with soap and water is not enough, I would use Lysol or similar disinfectant on the toys to help with the spread of germs from child to child.

Carpet in a daycare is difficult, because of accidents and vomiting, they can harbor bacteria, I would recommend tile floor in all areas, and use a bleach solution to mop the floors, after hours to sanitize. The cribs and playpens used should have individual rights daily, one child per item daily and washed daily as well, and the infant swings should be thoroughly cleaned after each child's use as well.

Staff-

Staff should follow strict guidelines on personal health as well if experiencing any of symptoms of illness they should not report to work. No reason to take a chance around a child.

Parents should be responsible as well, do not send your child if they have the following symptoms.

Fever, rectal (in infants) or oral temperature greater than 101 F or 38.3 C

Rash

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Poor eating

Persistent crying

Breathing difficulties or continuous coughing, The daycare that your child attends will have guidelines for you to follow as well.

All children get sick and for a parent that works , you should always have a plan b when it comes to daycare.

Some common infections to look for in a daycare setting are:

Chickenpox - is transmitted through Infected lesions;Respiratory secretions and its airborne spread. Incubation is usually 14 to 16 days.

Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)- This is a very common disease in adults and children, is transmitted through discharge from the eye; Respiratory secretions. 24 - 72 hours incubation period.

E. coli 0157:H7- is transmitted by feces, contaminated food and undercooked beef. Incubation Period is usually 3-4 days.

Fifth Disease- is transmitted by respiratory secretions and the incubation period is around 4-14 days.

Hand-Foot-Mouth disease- is transmitted by feces, Respiratory secretions. Incubation 3-6 days.

Hepatitis B- transmitted through the blood, and the incubation period can range from 45-180 days.

Influenza- transmitted through respiratory secretions, and airborne spread.

Lice- transmitted through infested area, most likely another child. Incubation is 7 to 10 days.

Respiratory infections- transmitted by Respiratory secretions. Incubation is 12 - 72 hours

Rota virus - transmitted by feces and respiratory secretions. Incubation is 24 - 72 hours

These are just a few of the common illness, that can be transmitted in the daycare setting. Thats why sanitary conditions are crucial to all parties involved. And most of these illnesses can be prevented by washing hands, and having a sanitary environment.

And if unsure of the practices of your daycare, sit in on a day off or have a trusted relative, go and check in on your child. Most day cares are up to date on sanitary issues, but it does not hurt to check.