Visiting Grandkids While Immunocompromised
Question:
Knowing that kids tend to be continuously sick, how can someone who is immune compromised be best protected but still spend time with their grandchildren?
Answer:
You should absolutely enjoy your grandchildren - they can be the best medicine! The most important thing to remember is HANDWASHING, HANDWASHING, HANDWASHING! That means you washing your hands regularly and your guests. Handwashing is great habit to instill in kids from an early age and you can remind them that they are helping you while doing it. Kids may have a reputation for carrying lots of germs, but it is important to encourage all your guests to wash their hands when they arrive.
If the grandkids are sick - or any guest for that matter - ask them to stay home that day. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy; in the car, in your bag, in the office, and wherever handwashing may be necessary but a sink not easily available. And avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as this is how the germs most often gain entry to our bodies. These are the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, immunocompromised or not.