Parents of a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease should be instructed to avoid which exposure?

• A. Other children who are sick
• B. Exposure to sun without protection
• C. Crowded indoor spaces during flu season
• D. Vaccinations as recommended

Answer: (A)

In sickle cell disease, the spleen often doesn’t work well to fight infections, so these children are much more vulnerable to serious infections. Keeping them away from people who are sick directly reduces their risk of contracting an infection that could lead to severe illness or complications. Vaccinations are important and should be kept up to date, not avoided, because they help prevent many of the infections that could be dangerous for them. Sun exposure with protection isn’t a specific risk you’d emphasize, and while avoiding crowded spaces during flu season can help, the most direct protective instruction is to minimize contact with someone who is sick. If the child develops a fever, seek prompt medical evaluation since fever can be a sign of a serious infection in this population.