Welcome to DR WILLIAM BOOTHE site
Prevention - Dr boothe
The method of prevention depends on the type of conjunctivitis. For allergy-related conjunctivitis, caregivers should limit outdoor exposure and keep all windows closed when the presence of allergens such as mold and pollen are high. Keeping areas clean of dirt, dust, and pet dander also is helpful in preventing allergy-related problems.
Like a cold, children can acquire viral-based conjunctivitis simply by being exposed to someone with the virus. By enforcing appropriate health policies in your childcare setting or home, you can limit exposure to this and other infectious diseases.
- Promote thorough hand washing with warm water, soap, and clean towels.
- Eliminate exposure to wet hand towels or dirty utensils.
- Teach children to avoid drinking after one another or sharing food.
- Wipe down toys, books, and other group items after play.
- Have ample tissues on hand for runny noses.
- As much as possible, keep door handles and other frequently touched items clean.
Guidelines for Exclusion
Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee that children will be 100 percent hygienic at all times; so exclusion of a child with viral conjunctivitis is recommended. According to Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care, anyone with purulent conjunctivitis (a pink or red conjunctiva and a yellow or white discharge) should be excluded from childcare until treatment has begun.
For cases of nonpurulent pink eye, refer to your local health authority for recommendations and act accordingly. Should you knowingly allow a child to attend childcare with an infectious disease, you might open yourself up to parental complaints or other legal issues.
To find out the recommendations or regulations for your state, contact your local state department or health authority. Recommendations for exclusion also apply to caregivers. If you have the viral form of conjunctivitis, the same precautions apply. In some states, lawsuits have even been filed (and won!) against caregivers who have exposed children to infectious disease.
Although conjunctivitis is a common illness, this does not have to be the case in your childcare center. Promote consistent hygiene practices, request that any eye-related symptoms be evaluated immediately, and enforce the guidelines for exclusion whenever appropriate. Doing so will help to promote a healthier childcare environment for everyone.
Dr. William Boothe - Dr. Boothe