Blood Exposure on Playground

Updated on November 05, 2010
M.H. asks from Pompano Beach, FL
7 answers

Hi Moms,
I'm looking for some honest advice about what to do and whether or not you moms would be concerned if it was your own child. Back in June I took my 3 year old son to eat and they had an indoor play area at the restaurant. He wanted to play so badly, so for the very first time ever, I let him play in the playground. I had never let him play in those areas before because I have always felt that they are not very clean. However, I know that I tend to be a germaphobe so I was trying to be a little more laid back. Well, after about 30 minutes of playing, one of the kids that was also in the play area came running out crying and he ran over to whomever was there with him. Next his sister came out and announced that "my brother cut his foot and he was bleeding everywhere." I went and got my son and checked him over. He had a couple of spots of blood on his hand (no open cuts on his hand), but I had noticed that he had rubbed his eye a little as I was walking in to get him. We immediately went to the bathroom and I washed his hands really good. I then noticed a good bit of blood (grapefruit sized) on the back of his shorts. Apparently the kid had bled on the slide and my son slid down it while it had blood on it. My husband and friend said they wouldn't worry about it. Yesterday I took my son to the doctor for a check up and I ended up mentioning the incident to her. I expected her to also say not to worry about it. Instead she said that it was "probably okay, but I could always have his blood drawn since the one thing you would be worried about is HIV." Well, now I'm freaking out a bit. What would you other moms do? Would you have him checked or would you have not even given this incident a second thought? I do not want to have unnecessary testing done just to ease my paranoia. I know in the future as he plays sports he will be exposed to things possibly (blood, MRSA, etc.) I really just want to see if this has happened to anyone else and what you guys would do in my situation. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Oh my gosh, our daughter was always falling bumping crashing into things.. She was around so many kids who were daredevils.. I remember at day care she caried her friends "bloody tooth" (she called it a bloody toot) to the teacher..

I am sure your son will be fine. Kids are exposed to so many bodily fluids it would make your head spin if you stopped and realized.. .. Also not all of these fluids are noticeable.. Any public place has the chance for exposure.. I will not begin to list them because you may stroke out.. Use your imagination.

You asked so the Doctor is offering to test, but I am sure he is fine..
Kids are extremely resilient. He did not have an open wound, you keep him very healthy and active.

Do not go searching for possibilities, you want your son to grow into a non fearful active child. Let him explore, never hold him back.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm sure your son is fine, but since you're freaking out, let the doctor do the tests so you know for sure. Having a definitive answer will only let you stop worrying. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from New York on

Dr. have to be honest with you and give you the information that they know. I'm sure that your son will be fine. And if you feel like you need another opinion, call the dr and ask what the next step is. Most drs. will use the most conservative methods possible.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Tampa on

She had to say that. If a futur situation- get the name and contact data for the one who bled, so you can check that way.
best,k

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from Miami on

I wouldn't worry about it, the odds that the kid would even have HIV and that at the same time, your son had an open cut and the boy's blood got into your son's are so minimal, it's not worth losing sleep over. If, however, you cannot get this out of your mind, for your own sanity and peace of mind, maybe you should have him tested.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.K.

answers from Boston on

I wouldn't worry but if you want it done why not wait until the next time he is due for a blood test for lead at least then maybe you won't feel like you are having him stuck unnecessarily.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

If it were me, I would do the blood draw just to have a baseline. You could also check with the restaurant to see if they did an incident report. Again, just for your personal knowledge should you need to know more in the future.

**But**, given that your son didn't have any open wounds his risk for exposure is very minimal.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions