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Exposure of Child to Blood and Body Fluids: Care Instructions

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Overview

If your child is accidentally 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 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 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 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 http://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: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.