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Germs on the Playground

Should Parents Be Concerned When Little Ones Swing and Slide?

By Teri Brown

According to Dr. Nelson, most contagious, infectious diseases are spread by hands or by direct contact with infectious materials, and most transmissions occur by direct contact between an infected individual and another individual not harboring the organism. Surfaces can be contaminated as well, and serve as receptacles for bacteria and other organisms that may be transferred from the surface to those who have contact with the surfaces secondarily.

"For example, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been shown to be able to survive on inanimate surfaces such as computer keyboards and white lab coats for up to 21 days," Dr. Nelson says. "The potential that several people may come in contact with such a contaminated surface is always real."

Playground equipment, touched by hoards of both healthy and infected children, can be a conduit for infectious germs.

Most parents would agree that never taking your little one to a playground is unrealistic. Not only do most schools offer playgrounds during recess, but there are times when an active baby, toddler or preschooler just needs to play! So what can parents do to decrease their child's chance of getting infected?

"In an environment such as at a playground, parents may carry antibacterial alcohol-based wipes or gels so that they may sanitize the hands of their children immediately after they have had contact with playground equipment and with other children," Dr. Nelson says. "They should also try to teach their children practical things like sneezing into their elbows instead of their hands, and limit their children as much as possible rom putting their fingers in their noses and mouths unless their hands have been sanitized or washed with soap and water."

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• Check out our Article Library.
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• Talk about it!