Introduction
Childcare centers should provide awareness regarding infection control in the childcare environment. Outbreaks of infection in childcare settings attack a high level of individuals. In a child care center, the caretaker is important in protecting the children from infection and illness. Caretakers should have proper knowledge regarding infection prevention and control to avoid high risk of infectious disease in children in child care centers. Viruses, bacteria, and germs cause infections. Germs are found in body fluids such as vomit, stool, and tiny droplets produced during coughing and sneezing.
The spread of illness in child care centers can be reduced by following a comprehensive Infection Prevention Control (IAPC) program and ensuring that all staff working in child care centers receive proper training. For prevention and control of infections in childcare settings, the following plan of action is designed to be followed, which includes proper hygiene practices like appropriate washing hands, diaper changing and universal precautions for blood spills, proper immunization of both children and childcare personnel, immunization of antimicrobial agents, cleaning and disinfection practice. Infection control programs are also essential to prevent infection and should include policies and procedures accessible to the employees.
What Are the Standard Precautions and When Should They Be Used?
Basic suitable hygiene measures are standard precautions that all the staff should practice at all times with children. Sometimes when the infection is asymptomatic or in the incubation period, it can spread from one child to another, such as flu or chickenpox. Therefore childcare settings should follow good hygiene practices. Childcare settings should follow standard precautions when contacting blood, broken skin, sores, eyes, mouth, and bodily fluids.
What Is Hand Hygiene?
The most simple and effective measure to prevent infection is hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the most important procedure for preventing the spread of germs and infections. Handwashing can be done anyway, using soap and water or sanitizer. Liquid soap is required in childcare settings, and bar soap should be avoided. Alcohol-based hand rubs (sanitizers) are used when hands are not soiled. Children above two years old should use it. Alcohol-based hand rubs are not a substitute for hand washing with soap and running water. Hand hygiene education is important in childcare activities. This will incorporate habits in children to follow proper hygiene techniques. Hand hygiene has good skin integrity and removes and kills microorganisms in the hand.
Why Is Cleaning and Disinfecting Essential?
Cleaning and disinfecting areas are essential to control the spread of infection. Disinfection is the process of reducing microorganisms to a safe level. Disinfectant chemicals or steams can be used for disinfection. Detergent and warm water are adequate for cleaning. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, there should be a schedule for when each item has to be cleaned and disinfected.
What Is Protective Clothing?
Gloves and aprons are protective clothing used for incidents with contact with blood or any body fluids. Gloves are also used for nappy changing, handling waste. Gloves should be disposable once used. It should be changed after caring for each child. Aprons are used while cleaning up spillages of body fluids. Absorbent material can be used to remove the spills. Children should be kept from spillage until the area is cleaned and disinfected. Spillage kits are used when required.
What Is the Importance of Immunization in Children?
Prevention is always better than treating any disease that occurs. Immunity is the ability to protect the body from infectious diseases. Immunization helps the body retain the memory of infection without the risk of natural infection. There are many practical and safe vaccines available against illness. Immunization should be given to all children attending childcare facilities. Children can be protected from 12 vaccine-preventable diseases by childhood immunization programs. Parents should be advised to contact their general practitioners regarding any missed immunization.
What Are the Steps for Food Safety?
In child care centers, proper food handling practices are necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. It is caused by food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common symptoms of infected food are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually begin a few hours after intake of contaminated food. Sometimes it may take days for symptoms to occur. Since the immune systems of children are not fully developed, they are at higher risk of developing health. Childcare centers must prepare, handle and store food safely. Childcare centers should maintain a record of the food source and the food's content if necessary.
Why Is It Important to Keep Children's Toys and Personal Items Hygienic?
For social as well as educational purposes, toys are essential. When hands are improperly washed, or through body fluids, toys get contaminated with microorganisms. Safety should be one of the primary considerations in childcare settings when choosing toys. Children's items, including toothbrushes, teething rings, and medications, should not be shared with other children. Toothbrushes could transmit infection if shared. Therefore, monitoring children while brushing and ensuring they keep their toothbrushes private is essential. Sharing teething rings could also transmit infection, so it should be avoided. Parents should be instructed to completely pack with clear instructions while leaving their child in a childcare setting.
What Is the Importance of Handling and Disposal of Infectious Waste?
Waste containing substances or microorganisms is infectious waste that can transmit infectious diseases. It is essential to appropriately handle and dispose of infectious waste to prevent and minimize the spread of infection and disease. Infectious waste such as blood, body fluid, blood-stained items, and soiled clothing should be disposed of properly. Special care should be taken if sharp objects are in the waste bin.
Conclusion
To prevent and control infection in childcare settings, it is essential to wash hands with soap and water often; even children do the same. Children should be appropriately vaccinated to prevent getting ill often. Education programs are essential for the caretakers and children to maintain good hygiene.
