Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology

Controlling Infections After a Transplant

After a transplant, your child is at risk for infections. This is because the immune system is weak. Here are some important guidelines to follow to help your child stay healthy after having a bone marrow transplant.

 

• Handwashing
  Germs and viruses are spread by our hands. Therefore, frequent handwashings will help decrease the spread of illness. Both you and your child should wash hands many times throughout the day. Be sure to wash before eating, after toileting and before doing any special procedures.
   
• Masks
  Your child needs to wear a face mask when out in public, such as when traveling to the clinic or sitting in the waiting room. 
   
• Daily Hygiene
  Daily hygiene includes bathing and mouth care. This is done to prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. Your child should take a bath or shower once a day. Mouth care is done four times a day. Mouth care will continue until your child is no longer taking immunosuppressants or until the health care team says it is okay to stop mouth care.