(PDF Version) Fall/Winter 2004/2005 Dear Parent, Your child is being tested and treated for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. RSV is a virus that children catch easily from each other. It is spread by contact with respiratory secretions. RSV usually causes a child to cough, wheeze, have a fever, and sometimes, have trouble breathing. While your child is in the hospital, he or she will be on "Pediatric Droplet Precautions" to keep this illness from spreading to others. Any staff member entering your child's room should wear gloves. When a staff member touches your child they should wear a gown and mask. If someone forgets, please remind him or her that your child is on "Pedicatric Droplet Precautions." We know that good hand washing can help stop the spread of RSV. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU WASH YOUR HANDS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ENTER AND AFTER YOU LEAVE YOUR CHILD'S ROOM. You may also use the Purell® alcohol based hand cleaner instead of soap and water for handwashing. While you child is on “Pediatric Droplet Precautions,” please help us by following these rules: - Visitors (including brothers and sisters) under 2 years old may not visit
- To protect your child and others, if you do not feel well, have a fever over 101° F, cough, runny nose or sore throat, please consider not visiting until you are feeling better. If you do visit while you are ill, you will be asked to wear a mask and wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of your illness.
- Do not touch other children, their toys or clothing
- Do not share your child’s toys, clothes or belongings with other children
- Your child will not be able to go to the playroom. Child Life staff will bring your child bedside toys and games to use.
- If your child is tired of playing with toys and games from Child Life, please place them in the dirty toy box.
Thank you for helping us prevent the spread of RSV and other viruses. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your child’s doctor or nurse. Sincerely, The Children's Center Staff and Hospital Epidemiology & Infection Control
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