Do Kids Get Sicker at the Doctor’s Office?
When kids get sick, most parents instinctively take them to the doctor. It makes sense to seek help from medical professionals to find remedies for their ailments.
However, doctors’ offices are not always the safest places for children. In some cases, the very place meant to help kids recover can increase their risk of getting sicker.
What Makes Doctors’ Offices Unsafe?
According to the Health section of U.S. News, the waiting room is often the most unsafe area in a doctor’s office—not the medical rooms themselves.
Key Risk Factors:
Shared toys in waiting rooms:
These toys can harbor germs and pose a significant health risk to children.
Exposure to sick children:
Waiting rooms are filled with other children, many of whom may have communicable illnesses.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Children?
1. Avoid Common Toys in Waiting Rooms
Prevent your children from playing with shared toys in the waiting room.
Bring your own toys or books from home for them to use.
2. Keep Distance from Sick Children
Avoid close contact with other children who show signs of illness, such as coughing or sneezing.
Be aware that even asymptomatic children might spread germs.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your children’s hands frequently, especially after being in the waiting room.
Encourage good hygiene habits, such as covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing and using hand sanitizer when needed.
Minimizing Risks
By taking simple precautions, such as avoiding shared toys, maintaining good hygiene, and steering clear of visibly sick children, you can reduce the risks of your children contracting illnesses at the doctor’s office.
While the doctor’s office may present certain challenges, a proactive approach can help ensure that your visit is as safe as possible for your kids.