Susan Guthier RN Child Care Health Consultation Thanks to: Genie Prewitt, RN, BSN, Child Care Health Consultant Trainer Bloodborne Pathogens

Class Objectives What child care providers should know about bloodborne pathogens Standard Precautions Identify way illnesses are spread Understanding disease investigation

Birth of Infection Control “Quaint experiment” 150 years ago

Why should child care providers know about bloodborne pathogens?

Like anyone working with young children, child care providers are inevitable exposed to blood at some point in their working lives

Children are prone to bloody noses; they frequently fall, suffer cuts and scrapes, and sometimes get into fights

For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that providers familiarize themselves with bloodborne pathogens and know how to protect themselves from becoming infected

Bloodborne pathogens- diseases transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids that contain infected blood

Most prevalent Bloodborne Pathogens HIV/AIDS Hepatitis B Hepatitis C

Transmission They are transmitted through blood, semen and vaginal fluids Urine, tears, sweat and vomit DO NOT transit bloodborne diseases UNLESS contaminated with infectious blood

Casual contact does not transmit bloodborne diseases You cannot contract a bloodborne disease from touching, hugging or kissing; sharing pots, forks or spoons; using a public restroom or swimming; or coughing or sneezing

In order to contract a bloodborne disease, blood or blood-containing body fluids from an infected person must be introduced directly into your bloodstream through a needlestick, a cut or opening in your skin or through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth

Child care providers are typically exposed to bloodborne pathogens when diapering, toileting, feeding or cleaning up vomit; breaking up fights; or if bitten by a child

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself 1. Assume everyone, including the children in your care, is infected (practice Standard Precautions).

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself 2. Always wear disposable latex gloves when coming into contact with blood or other body fluids.

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself 3. Always wash your hands before putting on and after removing gloves.

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself 4. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

If you believe you have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water; report the incident to the appropriate personnel and/or agency; and proceed immediately to your personal physician or the nearest emergency room

Standard Precautions in Child Care Setting Consist of: Hand washing: After diapering or toileting children After handling body fluids of any kind Before and after giving first aid (such as cleaning cuts and scratches or bloody noses )

Standard Precautions in Child Care Setting Consist of: Hand washing After cleaning up spills or objects contaminated with body fluids After taking off your disposable gloves Remember that wearing gloves does not mean that you do not have to wash your hands

Standard Precautions In Child Care Setting Consist of: Latex gloves should be worn: During contact with blood or body fluids which contain blood (such as vomit or feces which contain blood you can see) When individuals have cuts, scratched or rashes which cause breaks in the skin of the hands

More about illness and the spread of illness in early child care environments…

Types of Pathogens Virus Bacteria Parasites Fungus

Modes of Transmission Direct Airborne – Respiratory Fecal – Oral (Enteric)

Direct Contact Any direct contact with infected person’s skin or body fluid Chickenpox, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, head lice, scabies and ringworm

Respiratory Transmission Passes from the lungs, throat, pharynx, or nose of one person to another person through the air Chicken pox, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Hand Foot and Mouth

Fecal-Oral Transmission Touching feces or objects contaminated with feces then touching your mouth Or if food or water is contaminated with human or animal feces & is consumed Improperly prepared foods

Fecal-Oral Transmission Hand Foot and Mouth, pin worms, Shigella, Hepatitis A

Report to Health Department Do you know who to call at the local health department? What diseases are reportable to the local health department? Kentucky Reportable Disease Form

Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services

Disease Investigation Does the center have a policy for exclusion if child has a communicable disease? Does the center have a policy for children with diarrhea? Does the center have a policy for exclusion of staff for any communicable diseases?

Disease Investigation Are changing tables at a height accessible to children? Do staff wash hands and the child’s hands after changing diaper? Are there hands free trash cans? Is the trash container for diapers lined and covered?

Disease Investigation Has a sign been posted telling parents about the illness being investigated? If no, did the center send information home with the children? Are diaper changing steps and hand washing procedures posted at the diaper changing station?

Disease Investigation If gloves worn for diaper changing, are they changed between diaper changes, and hands washed as well? Is the diaper changing area/surface free of objects? Is the diaper changing mat free of rips and tears?

Disease Investigation Are the bathroom toilet paper dispensers full and accessible to the children? Are there dishes in the hand washing sinks? Is the paper towel holder full and allows the child/staff member to get a towel without touching the container or the fresh towel supply?

Disease Investigation Is a bleach solution or EPA approved product used for sanitizing? If a green product is used, are the recommended product instructions followed appropriately? Are water tables in use a the facility?

Disease Investigation Do providers wash hands after cleaning up any bodily fluids, including emesis? When blood is cleaned up, are hand washed and gloves worn? Do providers wash hands after assisting a child wipe his/her nose? Do children wash hands after wiping or blowing their nose?

Disease Investigation Are there pets in the classroom? Are the pets reptiles? Are the cages/aquariums at a level allowing the children to have access to the cage or animal?

Disease Investigation Are the rooms clean? Does the center use ‘yuck buckets’ for soiled toys? Is the ‘yuck bucket’ out of the children's reach? Are there any odors in the classroom, such as bleach, stool, Lysol, etc?

Disease Investigation Are the eating areas clean? Do the children wash hands before meals? Do the children sit at table immediately after hand washing and not re-contaminate their hands on the floor, walls, etc.? Do providers wash hands before preparing and serving food?

Disease Investigation Are trash containers accessible to the children? Are sinks low enough for children to use, or a step in place to help them? Are staff observing the children while they wash their hands?

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