Tuberculosis (TB) Isolation – During a Clinic Visit

To keep others from getting sick we have placed your child in isolation. Please follow these instructions.

What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is an infection that most often affects the lungs. It is caused by germs called bacteria. Anyone can get TB. TB can be spread from person to person through the air when someone with active TB talks, coughs, or sings. It can be difficult to stop TB from spreading to others. TB is not spread through shaking someone’s hand or sharing food or drinking containers. TB can be prevented, treated, and cured. There are 2 types of tuberculosis, latent and active. Latent TB means the TB germs are in the body but are not causing you to be sick and you cannot spread the TB germs to others. Someone with active TB is sick from the TB germs in their body and has symptoms such as coughing, fever, and night sweats. People with active TB can spread the germs to others.

Why is my child in Your child is in isolation because it is possible, or has been confirmed, isolation? that either you or your child may have active TB. We isolate people who have or may have active TB because of the possibility of TB germs spreading to other patients and staff in the hospital. We have many patients who are especially vulnerable to TB. They could become very sick from TB, so we take every precaution to prevent its spread. We isolate patients before TB is confirmed, so that if they do turn out to have active TB, there will not be any chance of them having spread it to others in the hospital. Following these instructions helps others in the hospital stay well by preventing the spread of TB germs.

What do we need to If there is concern your child has TB, it is possible that the disease was do when coming to spread to them from an adult in the home or another person they have regular contact with. You will need to choose no more than 2 primary the hospital for tests caregivers over the age of 18 to come with your child to the hospital. or clinic visits? Siblings and other visitors may not come to the hospital with your child. We have these guidelines about who visits your child because we want to be especially careful that no one else gets TB or spreads it throughout the hospital.

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To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Ask your child’s healthcare provider • In the hospital, ask your nurse. • seattlechildrens.org • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.

Tuberculosis (TB) Isolation – During a Clinic Visit

Your child should: • Check in at the entrance desk to get an isolation mask. This mask should be put on right away. • Be escorted to their appointment after checking in. The entrance coordinator will arrange this. • Stay in the appointment room with the door closed, unless staff tell you otherwise. • Wear the isolation mask when leaving the building. You can remove it when you get to your car.

Hospital staff will: • Wear a full head covering hood, or a special mask if they have been fitted for one. This is to be sure they do not breathe in any TB bacteria or carry it on their clothes outside of the room. • Ask you and your child to remain in an exam room with the door closed. • Consider re-scheduling any optional appointments or procedures your child may have until the TB isolation has ended

TB screening for parents Both primary caregivers who come to the hospital with their child must or primary caregivers: have a TB screening. Your child’s providers will tell you where the screening will take place. The TB screening may include:

• Answering questions such as where you have traveled and what kind of work you do • A blood test • Having chest X-rays to find out if you have active TB

While any screening • Wear a mask when entering the hospital. results are pending, you, • Go straight to your child’s appointment and not visit any other areas the parent or primary of the hospital. caregiver, should: • Clean your hands well with soap and water or hand gel (in the wall- mounted dispensers) right before leaving the clinic room, put on a mask, and then leave the hospital right away. • Wash your hands or use hand gel often, especially after you or your child cough, blow your nose or use the bathroom.

If your child is positive for • Not need to wear a mask at the hospital anymore active TB but your results are negative, you should:

If your child is negative • Identify other caregivers to be with your child until you are not for active TB but your contagious. results are positive, you • Consult with your own primary care provider to get treatment for should: your TB.

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How can Children’s You may have just found out that you or your child has, or may have, help? TB. You may be feeling confused or worried. This is normal. Your child’s healthcare team is here to help and can answer any questions you may have. We also understand that isolation can be hard on families. Talk to your child’s nurse if you have any other questions or concerns.

When will isolation The process for ending isolation often involves many steps and the precautions be Infection Prevention department must always give final permission. Your child’s healthcare team will let you know when it is OK to come out of finished? isolation.

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 1/21 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE2801 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.

Patient and Family Education | Department Name 3 of 3