Foster Care Manual: Infection Control Policy
This information has been excerpted from materials specific to one state. Be sure to check with your Foster Care Specialist for details in your state, county, or province.
As most of us know, there has been an increase in deadly infectious diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis. Because we cannot tell by looking at someone whether they are a carrier of an infectious disease, it is important to learn ways to protect ourselves from such diseases. Rather than concern ourselves with who to protect ourselves from, it is far better to treat everyone as though they may be infectious.
Casual contact with another person DOES NOT pose a risk of catching a disease which is transmitted by blood. Contact which can share blood or some body fluids IS dangerous. Not all body fluids are dangerous. Tears, saliva, and sweat do not spread the AIDS and Hepatitis viruses. Blood, semen, vaginal fluids and possibly breast milk do pass the viruses. The two most common ways of spreading these viruses are sharing needles or having sex with an infected person. If you do not share needles or have sex with an infected person and you practice universal precautions with all people, you will be very safe from these diseases. You should talk with your physician and determine whether you want to receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Some clients come from situations where they did not receive adequate medical care. Therefore, their current medical status is unknown. They may have some illness or infection which has not been diagnosed or treated. It is important, therefore, to treat all children as if they have contagious diseases until they can be taken to the doctor for a physical examination and diagnosis of any medical problems. Prevention of diseases utilizing the universal precautions includes the following:
1. Practice good handwashing and good hygiene. Good hygiene is the single, most important disease prevention technique. Immediately washing your hands after contact with any infectious substance greatly reduces your chances of contracting the disease. Practicing good hygiene keeps everyone healthier and more resistant to diseases in general.
2. Wear latex gloves when cleaning body fluids particularly any body fluids containing blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Sometimes vomit, urine, and feces can contain blood. To be extra careful, gloves should be worn when cleaning up these body fluids as well. Always wash your hands after removing the gloves.
3. Do not share the following items with other people:
Razors or razor blades
Nail clippers
Earrings
Toothbrushes
Needles or syringes
Food
Chewing gum
Makeup
Anything that can spread blood or body fluids to another person
4. Do not eat after other people and do not allow other people to eat after you. This includes small children.
HEPATITIS B VACCINE
Provider parents should discuss the need for the Hepatitis B Vaccine with their physicians.
PROCEDURE FOR POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
1. Notify your physician immediately.
2. Notify this Agency if the exposure is client related or involves a client.
3. Determine the best course of action with assistance from physician and other health-care professional involved in the case.
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