Infection Control In Childcare:
How To Control Infection In A Developing Child

Infection Control In Childcare: What Is An Infection?

Infection is the most familiar cause of illness in young children and when regularly, can cause developmental delay and slow down growth.

As a parent/childcarer, it is necessary to know the various kinds of infection and how to prevent the spread of it.

Infection may function from frequent cold to meningitis and, as you acquire experience, you will be able to diagnose the symptoms of the illness. When your child quickly becomes ill, you must seek medical advice.

As a parent, you are encouraged to be actively involved in the incidence of childhood diseases, which can be very dangerous.

In, as well to familiar childhood mild illnesses, there is an infection that you should be aware of. Meningitis may grow within hours into a life-threatening illness.

The marks and symptoms are likely to change at any time which creates both viral and the bacterial forms of infection, serious headache, vomiting, painful neck, dislike of light, confusion, easily annoyed or purplish rash, which may not disappear when pressed the skin with a glass tumbler.

You should ask for immediate medical advice without delay.

Infection Control In Childcare: Why Does Infections Occur?

Germs:

Germs known as micro-organisms have contact with the body and produces illnesses.

• Viruses -- they enter the cells in your child's body where they bring new individual viruses into existence and are not affected by antibiotics. These new viruses cause colds, chickenpox, rubella and measles.
• Bacteria -- require warmth, moisture, and food to continue to live.
• Fungi -- unknown fungi are not harmful to your child for example yeast… but others may cause ringworm and thrush.

To develop and multiply… these organisms require warmth, moisture, food and time. When in the body they multiply quickly thus the incubation time. Your child only start to show signs and symptoms and get unwell at the end of this period.

Unknown germs are not harmful to your child such as organisms that live in the bowel and process vitamin K. These organisms are very important in the blood-clotting process.

Parasite:

These are unknown parasites which may influence your child, for instance, head lice, thread worms and scabies.

Infection Control In Childcare: How Does Infection Spread?

Infection in your child is spread by…

• Eating or drinking infected food and water
• Sneezing and coughing
• Cuts and grazes on his body
• Contact with an infected person or equipment
• Poor sanitation
• Unclean water supply
• Unhealthier diet
• Poor housing.

How Can You Prevent Infection?

• You can help prevent infection by ensuring that you have an up-to-date advice information on health risks, for instance, from local environmental health department.
• Ensure that recommendations for your child's food storage are followed.
• Store rubbish, for instance, soiled nappies in a bag, and use bins with lids.
• Remember to wash your hands so is your child before handling and eating food, after using the toilet.
• Change nappies or garments when soiled or wet.
• Use disposable tissues and wipes.
• Ensure that dummies, teething aids and comforters are not shared and are sterilised as when required.
• Wash and disinfect your child's toys and equipment regularly.
• Toilets and bathrooms should be cleaned everyday and spills should be cleaned immediately.
• Clear the table immediately after meals and do not allow food to be left about.

You may also raise your child's awareness of good hygiene practices by talking to him about…

• Washing his hands
• Cleaning his teeth
• Nose wiping and disposal of tissues
• The spread of infection through coughing and sneezing
• Using the toilet correctly.

By following the above advice, infection control in childcare, you'll definitely prevent your child from becoming ill and keep him healthy to aid his development.