Keeping Your Child with CHD Healthy

General Guidelines

• Thorough hand washing for all caregivers and anyone visiting your home
• Minimize exposure to crowded areas such as malls, churches, and social gatherings during the months of October through March
• Eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke

Prevention of Winter Illnesses

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention

Children under age two, should receive Palivizumab (Synagis®) shot starting in October and every month until March. This has been shown to reduce the incidence of RSV and decrease the chance of hospitalization for RSV.

Flu Prevention

Children with CHD above six months of age should receive a flu shot in October. If less than six months of age, all close contacts should receive the flu shot or the live attenuated influenza vaccine (Flumist®). Any child who has never received the flu vaccine should receive two doses of the vaccine at least four weeks apart.

Call your healthcare provider if your child develops any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Fast Breathing
• Wheezing
• Blue or grey color to skin
• Trouble eating, drinking, or sleeping

Endocarditis Prevention

Certain children with heart conditions may require antibiotics prior to medical and dental procedures. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your child needs this added protection prior to procedures or tests.