Interacting with the different children, families, and staff in your childcare program is satisfying, but it brings the possibility of exposure to many different pathogens (i.e., germs). You are exposed to germs not only through your childcare program, but also as you go about your daily business.

Taking care of your family, shopping at the store, attending sporting events, and being involved with friends through church or social gatherings can expose you to a plethora of germs, some which can make you or a member of your family ill. Even your pets can pass diseases to you!

So, what common-sense precautions minimize the chance of illness?

Handwashing

Keeping hands clean is one of the easiest, yet most often overlooked, ways to prevent the spread of disease. Washing hands frequently and thoroughly throughout the day helps remove germs before they enter your body and cause illness.

Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating and preparing food; after using the toilet, changing a diaper, and assisting with toileting; after feeding and playing with animals or their toys; and whenever hands look dirty. Wash your hands even more often when someone in your home is ill.

Wash hands with soap and running water. Lather well and rub the hands, between fingers, and wrists for about 20 seconds. Germs can live on moist towels, so consider using paper towels or provide hand towels that can be frequently laundered.

Consider having hand sanitizer or wipes available to kill germs when soap and water are not readily available. Choose a product that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Remember to keep sanitizers out of reach of young children who may be tempted to overuse or taste them.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

Germs can live for days on door handles, toys, toothbrushes, used tissues, and other objects. Minimize the spread of disease by regularly cleaning these and other  items, especially those that may be touched by contaminated hands. Clean and disinfect surfaces such as countertops and tables, with particular attention to food preparation areas.

Hand towels, cleaning sponges, and kitchen towels provide breeding areas for germs.  Sponges should be rinsed in very hot water after each use and replaced regularly. Paper towels are a safer substitute for hand and kitchen towels, but if you choose cloth towels, launder them often in hot water.

Cleaning and disinfecting are not synonymous. Cleaning a surface removes dirt, debris, and some germs. Disinfecting means actually killing the germs. Basic cleaning of surfaces is usually sufficient in your home environment; however, it is a good idea to disinfect food preparation surfaces, kitchen utensils, and bathroom surfaces. This is most important if someone at home is ill with the flu, diarrhea, or other contagious disease.

An inexpensive and effective disinfectant is a mild chlorine bleach and water solution. Mix one tablespoon regular bleach with one quart of water. This solution must be mixed the same day as use; it will lose effectiveness after about 12 hours or if left in direct sunlight. Clean the surface, and then spray until moist with the bleach solution. Let the solution air dry.

Immunizations

Immunizations are vital for the prevention of disease in people of all ages. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a schedule of recommended immunizations for children, teens, and adults. In general, adults should have a flu shot each year, and a tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years.

Your health care provider may recommend additional immunizations to protect against human papilloma virus (for females); varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), pneumonia, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningitis.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Certain individuals, such as those who are chronically ill, pregnant, or have other medical conditions, may need a modification of this schedule. Check with your heath care provider to determine your immunization needs.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Your body is able to fight off many germs, and you can take active measures to strengthen your body and immune system. Develop and maintain healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient rest (7-8 hours of sleep each night). Also, try to manage your stress level, both at work and at home.

Here are other ways to avoid catching or spreading disease:

• If possible, avoid contact with others who are ill. Practice common sense when around family members who are ill (e.g., do not share towels, regularly disinfect towels and surfaces, wash hands frequently, etc.)
• Avoid crowded areas where there are many ill people, such as unnecessary visits to your health care provider’s office or the emergency room.
• If antibiotics or other medications are prescribed, follow the instructions for use. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else or use medication “left over” from the last illness.
• Stay home if you are ill.

Common sense and the recommendations of your health care provider will help keep you and your family healthy and happy.

Joe Knight
Medical Writer and Physician Assistant, Chowchilla, California
 
Internet Resources

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm

Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407

Tennessee Department of Health, health.state.tn.us/Factsheets/handwashing.htm

Washington State Department of Health, www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/docs/cleanfact_en.pdf