Pediatric Home Care Florida City FL
If your child is receiving treatment for cancer, you may constantly be feeling anxious and nervous over the possibility of your little one getting an infection. Chemotherapy is often used to treat children with cancer because it is extremely powerful at killing harmful cells. However, it also kills the healthy white blood cells in the process, known as neutrophils, resulting in a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to getting an infection. Understanding the symptoms to look for and how infections can be prevented will make it easier to spot a harmful infection early, while also knowing how to help stop your child from getting an infection that could harm their health.
Symptoms
Children with the following symptoms may have an infection and need to consult with their doctor immediately.
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Shortness of breath
* A new or changed cough
* Stuffy or runny nose
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Earache
* Chills
* Changes in the skin or mouth, such as rashes, blisters, or sores
* Changes in the skin surrounding the surgical wound or central venous access device, such as redness, pus, swelling, or pain
* A decline in mental health, such as confusion or depression
* Stomach pain
* Urinating frequently
Prevention
Whether you are going to the grocery store, sitting in a hospital waiting room, or playing outside, the fear of your child getting sick or an infection may be overwhelming. By following these tips, you will greatly reduce the chances of your little one getting an infection that could be damaging to their health.
* Keep their hands clean. Germs are everywhere in public places and can be extremely harmful for children with cancer. The best way to keep them as healthy as possible is by encouraging them to frequently wash their hands, especially before meals or after using the bathroom.
Children will often adopt the habits they see their parents or other family members doing, so remember to frequently wash your hands as well.
* Never leave home without hand sanitizer. There will most likely be places you go to where soap and water are not available. The next best thing is hand sanitizer. It will kill harmful bacteria and germs just as well as water and soap, so make sure to always have a bottle with you or in your vehicle just in case.
* Stay away from sick people. Being around someone who has a cold, the flu, or other illness could be extremely dangerous to the health of your child. Avoid visiting these people until they are no longer contagious.
* Encourage proper oral hygiene habits. Teaching your child how to properly floss, brush their teeth, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash 2 or 3 times per day will not only kill germs and bacteria that hide in the mouth, but will also greatly reduce the risk of an infection.
* Do not share food, drinks, or utensils. If your little one is sharing food, drinks, or utensils with someone else, the germs from the other person will be passed to your child. Talk to your child about the dangers of sharing these items with other people and how it could make them sick.
Source: Moore, Dorothy L, PhD, MD. Paediatrics & Child Health. “Essentials of Paediatric Infection Control.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805593/
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Care Services in Florida City FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
