UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL PROVIDERS
To help prevent the spread of diseases communicated by body secretions, including, but not limited to, hepatitis A, B and C, HIV infections, bacteria and virus that cause diarrhea and vomiting and intestinal parasites such as worms or giardia, the following universal precautions are recommended:
1. Wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves when in contact with body secretions including blood, stool, urine, and vomit. Dispose of gloves after each use.
2. Cover open wounds until a scab has formed if the child will have any contact with other children.
3. Wash your hands after contact with children. Use disposable paper towels. Encourage children to wash their hands after the use of the bathroom or if they have blood or other body substances on their hands.
4. Use single-use disposable tissues for runny noses, etc., and dispose of them immediately in a secure receptacle. Never share tissues.
5. Wash toys that have come into contact with body fluids or stool.
The most important, take home lesson - WASH YOUR HANDS - Wash Your Hands - wash your hands!!
By following these precautions strictly, the risk of catching many communicable diseases will be reduced substantially.
Ted Humphry, M.D.
(707) 822-2441
this information last updated 11/03