Caregivers With Respiratory Infection Symptoms

Respiratory infections are also known as colds and flu. Symptoms of a respiratory infection include:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Fever

You can have one or more symptoms at the same time.

They can be dangerous to small children, and especially to anyone with other health problems.

• Close contact with someone who is sick
• Coughing and sneezing near another person’s face
• Touching hands, objects or surfaces that have the germs on them
• Touching your own eyes, nose or mouth without clean hands

The best way to protect your child and others is to not be at the hospital while you have symptoms. Resting and taking care of yourself will help you get better faster.

If you need to be at the hospital with your child, follow these guidelines to lower the chance of giving your infection to your child or anyone here:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or wear a mask.
• Dispose of soiled (dirty) tissues and masks in a waste container.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer gel, especially after touching your nose or mouth or soiled tissues.
• Don’t kiss and hug your child while your symptoms are present.
• Don’t share food, eating utensils, or cups and straws with your child or anyone else.
• Wash your hands before feeding your child or giving mouth or respiratory care.
• Don’t use shared patient spaces on the unit until you are well.