Salmonella Prevention Tips for Parents

Salmonella, a form of pathogenic bacteria, is responsible for hundreds of illnesses and deaths every year, and most of its victims are young children. If your child contracts salmonella, he may need immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications, including dehydration and death.

If you are concerned about your child contracting salmonella, try following these salmonella prevention tips for parents.

Wash Your Child's Hands

Yes, it's a pain in the butt to have to help your child reach a sink in a public bathroom, then awkwardly help him wash his hands over the way-too-high basin. But, as inconvenient as it is, hand-washing is critical for preventing salmonella in kids. Wash your child's hands frequently throughout the day to prevent him from contracting salmonella from everyday surfaces.

Avoid Undercooked Foods

No childhood is complete without that occasional scandalous bite of cookie dough, but there's a reason doctors warn against the consumption of raw eggs. Eggs frequently contain trace amounts of salmonella, which is most dangerous to kids and to the immunocompromised. Don't give your child raw or undercooked seafood, meat, poultry or eggs. These can all cause your child to contract a fatal or near-fatal salmonella infection.

Use Caution with Pets

It can be healthy to have a home with pets, but many animals carry diseases that are easily transmitted to children. It's obvious that your child should wash his hands after handling animal feces, but did you know that even clean animals can transmit salmonella? Many children contract salmonella from pet birds and reptiles, who carry the bacterium on their skin and feathers. Do not have a pet reptile if you have a child under the age of 10. Any time that your child handles a bird or reptile, immediately follow the activity with hand-washing or hand sanitizer.

Salmonella claims lives every year, but parent education can prevent the spread of the disease. Consult your child's pediatrician for more help with salmonella prevention.