CHICKENPOX
On the first day a rash appears as
small red patches about 3-4mm
across. Within a few hours, small
blisters appear in the centre of
these patches. During the next three
or four days further patches will
appear and the earlier ones will
turn 'crusty' and fall off.
Calamine lotion may be applied to
soothe the often severe itching.
Cool baths may also help. The
most infectious period is from two
or three days before the rash
appears and up to five days after
this date. Children may return to
school as soon as the last 'crusts'
have dropped off.
GERMAN
MEASLES (Rubella)
The rash appears during the first
day and usually covers the body,
arms and legs in small pink patches
about 2-4mm across and doesn't itch.
No other symptoms are usually
present apart from occasional aching
joints.
It is infectious from two days
before the rash appears, until the
rash disappears in about four or
five days from that date
The only danger is to unborn babies
and, therefore, it is important that
all contacts are informed in order
that anyone who may be pregnant can
contact their doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this
disease.
MEASLES
The rash is blotchy and red and
appears on the face and body around
the fourth day of illness. It is at
its most infectious from two or
three days before the rash appears
until eight to ten days after that
date.
Immunisation can prevent this
disease.
MENINGITIS
This is a rare illness that is most
common in babies, children under
four years and teenagers, and
requires urgent attention. It is
important to be aware of the
symptoms which we have listed below.
Signs and symptoms in BABIES
and VERY YOUNG CHILDREN are:
- Difficulty
waking
- A high
pitched cry that is different
from a normal cry
- Repeated
vomiting
- Refusing
feeds
- Pale or
blotchy skin, especially with
red or blue/black bruises that
don't go white when you press on
them
- Tight or
bulging soft spot on the top of
your baby's head
If you are in any
doubt contact your doctor
immediately.
Signs and symptoms
in OLDER CHILDREN and
ADULTS are:
- A high
temperature
- A constant
headache
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness or
confusion
- Dislike of
bright lights
- Stiffness of
the neck (moving their chin to
the chest will be particularly
painful)
- A rash of
red/blue spots or bruises that
don't go white when pressed with
a tumbler
If you are in any
doubt contact your doctor
immediately.
MUMPS
Symptoms are: Swelling of the gland
in front of one ear often followed,
after a couple of days by swelling
in front of the other ear.
It is infectious from two or three
days before the swelling appears
until eight to ten days after that
date.
If the pain is severe you should
consult your doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this
disease.
HOW TO LOOK
AFTER A CHILD WITH A TEMPERATURE
A child will develop a fever because
of an infection. Usually the child
will get over such an infection
without the need for antibiotics.
Most childhood infections are caused
by viruses and these do not respond
to antibiotics. The following advice
will help to bring your child's
temperature down and make them feel
better.
1. Always keep a supply of
paracetamol syrup (Calpol, Disprol)
at home. If you wait until you need
it, there will be none close at
hand.
2. If your child feels hot or
appears unwell -
a) Give the maximum dose of
paracetamol stated for a child of
that age.
b) Dress your child in cool clothes.
A lot of heat is lost through a
child's head, so leave it uncovered.
Cool down the room by opening doors
and windows.
c) Give your child plenty of cool
drinks as fluid is lost with a
fever. If they are reluctant to
drink, encourage small amounts from
a favourite cup.
d) Sponging your child down with a
tepid flannel will make them feel
better as well as bringing their
temperature down. Using tepid water
is more effective than using cold
water.
e) Repeat the dose of paracetamol
every four hours as necessary, up to
the maximum daily dose stated.
f) A child with a fever is likely to
be restless at night. Offer cool
drinks and sponge them down if they
wake.
g) If your child does not improve
after giving paracetamol and
sponging, or appears particularly
ill, call the doctor.
3. Very rarely, a child under five
years will have a convulsion with a
high temperature. They will shake
all over and become very still. It
usually subsides in less than five
minutes. Lie the child on their side
and stay with them while it lasts.
If there is another adult in the
house, ask them to phone a doctor.
If not, call when the convulsion has
passed. |
