Table of contents:
- Why does the hospital prohibit children from visiting?
- Disease transmission
- Troubleshoot the patient
- What if you have to take your child to the hospital?
- 1. Make sure the child is immunized
- 2. Do not go to the hospital when there is a disease outbreak
- 3. Remind children to maintain calm
Some hospitals prohibit children under 12 years of age from entering when we are visiting relatives or family members who are hospitalized. This is indeed sometimes difficult for parents who are forced to take their children to the hospital. However, this prohibition is not without reason, you know. Here are the various considerations why there is a prohibition on bringing children to the hospital.
Why does the hospital prohibit children from visiting?
Basically, the hospital is not a place for children. So, don't be surprised if the rules set are quite strict. Here are the two main reasons why children should not come to the hospital.
Disease transmission
Unlike adults, the immune system of children under 12 years of age is not strong enough. Even though your child looks healthy on the outside, you may not know that his immune system is actually weakening. Not to mention that children take longer to recover from illness than adults.
Meanwhile, the hospital is a hotbed for various types of disease-causing organisms. Starting from bacteria, viruses, germs, to toxins. These organisms can be transmitted to children easily. Especially if there is an epidemic of certain diseases such as bird flu.
One of the diseases most often transmitted to children who frequently visit the hospital is lung infection (pneumonia) due to bacteria. Usually the symptoms of this disease only appear a few days after infection. So, parents may not realize that the child is actually contracting the disease in the hospital.
Troubleshoot the patient
Apart from visiting the hospital being risky for your little one, the presence of children in the hospital may also disturb patients who are being treated. This is because small children tend to be more enthusiastic when in a new place and atmosphere, namely in the hospital. Especially if they saw the long hallways of the hospital. The desire arose in the children to play and run along the hospital hallways.
Every child is different. There are those who can control themselves and be calm. However, sometimes there are also those who have been told that it is still difficult to maintain calm. Children who are not able to control themselves can interfere with other patients' rest. In addition, children running and playing in the hospital may also make it difficult for the nurses on duty. For example, if a child touches hospital equipment or accidentally touches special buttons.
Remember, hospitals are not really places for family gatherings; it's where the patient rest. If your child wants to visit their grandparents or other family members, you should wait until their condition improves and they are allowed to go home. To show support, parents can ask the child to make a greeting card to get well soon for their loved ones.
What if you have to take your child to the hospital?
In certain cases, parents are forced to take their children to the hospital. If children really have to participate, you should pay attention to the following rules.
1. Make sure the child is immunized
With immunization, the child's immune system is stronger. So make sure the child has been immunized before going to the hospital. Especially if the child has to go to the emergency room or ICU which is a hotbed of dangerous diseases.
2. Do not go to the hospital when there is a disease outbreak
If you have heard of an outbreak of a certain disease in the area or that the person you are visiting has an infectious disease, do not take the child to the hospital. When in the hospital, try not to linger. We recommend that you go home immediately after visiting hours are over.
3. Remind children to maintain calm
Before going to the hospital, explain to the child the importance of maintaining calm there. Let him know that he shouldn't touch the things he sees carelessly. Nor should he run or scream.
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