Exposure of Child to Blood and Body Fluids: Care Instructions
Overview
If your child is exposed to another person's body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, or vomit, it can be scary. Your doctor will work with you to help your child stay healthy.
The biggest concern is getting a disease. Your child may need repeated tests to check for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection. Your child may need other tests too. The first tests may not show any infection. But the doctor will need them to compare with later tests.
Be sure to talk with the doctor about follow-up tests. Your child may need tests over the next weeks or months. It can take a long time for some diseases to show up on tests.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Clean the area as instructed by your doctor.
- Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribed medicine to protect your child from disease, have your child take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with any medicines.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- Your child has new symptoms, such as:
- Feeling very tired.
- A sore throat.
- Body aches.
- Headaches.
- Belly pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- Dark urine.
- Yellow skin and eyes.
- Sores in the mouth.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter J058 in the search box to learn more about "Exposure of Child to Blood and Body Fluids: Care Instructions".
Current as of: March 2, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
