3.2.3.1: Procedure for Nasal Secretions and Use of Nasal Bulb Syringes

Staff members and children should blow or wipe their noses with disposable, single use tissues and then discard them in a plastic-lined, covered, hands-free trash container. After blowing the nose, they should practice hand hygiene, as specified in Standards 3.2.2.1 and 3.2.2.2.

Use of nasal bulb syringes is permitted. Nasal bulb syringes should be provided by the parents/guardians for individual use and should be labeled with the child’s name.

If nasal bulb syringes are used, facilities should have a written policy that indicates:

1. Rationale and protocols for use of nasal bulb syringes;
2. Written permission and any instructions or preferences from the child’s parent/guardian;
3. Staff should inspect each nasal bulb syringe for tears or cracks (and to see if there is unknown fluid in the nasal bulb syringe) before each use;
4. Nasal bulb syringes should be cleaned with warm soapy water and stored open to air.

RATIONALE

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to reduce the spread of infection (1,2).

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.2.2.1 Situations that Require Hand Hygiene
3.2.2.2 Handwashing Procedure
3.2.2.3 Assisting Children with Hand Hygiene

REFERENCES

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide. Aronson SS, Shope TR, eds. 5th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020.20.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Out-of-home child care, infection control and prevention In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, Long SS, eds. Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st Edition. Itasca, IL:  American Academy of Pediatrics; 2018: 125-136, 122-125, 124t