RSV...

Nurses General Nursing

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Question. I was in a pediatric patient's room for about an hour holding the patient, who has RSV. I had gowned up, wore gloves

before holding, and washed my hands after. I didn't wear a mask. At first it wasn't explained to me that this patient had RSV, just "respiratory issues" until I looked in the computer and saw for myself. Issue is, I have an infant at home. Is my baby at risk now? I showered after work as I got home and hadn't touched my baby until this morning.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Yes your infant is at risk. RSV require droplet precautions, which of course means a mask. You may get lucky and not get symptoms, but if you do stay away from your baby especially when coughing. Incubation for RSV, I believe is around 2 days, and it will most likely start with a sore throat.

In the future, if you are told the baby (or any patient) has "respiratory issues" and they are on precautions, its a safe assumption that it will be droplet precautions and will require a mask.

Nothing you can do if you got it, just be careful around your baby.

Annie

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Thank you!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Sorry- RSV is contact isolation. I work in a PICU packed with these kids right now.

And BTW- your child is as likely to get it from sitting in the grocery cart or going to church as from you.

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Well you and your baby are at risk every time you leave the house (well prob. not you so much, since there is a good chance you have already had RSV as a child yourself). This year we have had a lot of RSV cases. So far (knock on wood) all have been just fine. Don't beat yourself up. Now you know for the future, but seriously your child will be exposed by being out and about more than by being around you.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

You have received great replies.

Is my baby at risk now?

If you are still concerned, you need to pose your questions/concerns to your child's healthcare provider (HCP). We cannot give out medical advice as the HCP is the only one who can properly advise you.

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