Minor Illnesses
Coughs,
colds and flu
Colds
and flu usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature
and aches. They are caused by viruses. These conditions get
better on their own and can be treated successfully at home
with simple remedies. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (and for children
Junior Disprol/Calpol or Nurofen for Children) can be obtained
from the pharmacist (chemist) or supermarket. These help with
the aches and reducing temperature. It is a good idea to keep
a small supply at home. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed
and are powerful medicines. But they only work on bacteria and
have no effect on viruses. We only use antibiotics when we suspect
that there is a secondary bacterial infection. You should take
the recommended dose of paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen for the
temperature and aches. Drink plenty of fluids. Do not worry
if you do not eat for a few days - you will come to no harm.
Most last 3 to 5 days before subsiding. However, If symptoms
persist, please see your doctor.
Common
feverish illnesses
Chickenpox
With
chickenpox, on the first day a rash appears as small red patches.
Within a few hours, small blisters appear in the centre of these
patches. During the next 3 to 4 days, further patches appear
and the earlier ones 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 2 to 3 days
before the rash appears until all the spots have crusted over..
Children may return to school as soon as the spots are completely
dry.
Rubella
In German
measles (rubella) the rash appears during the first day and
usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches.
The rash does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present,
apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from 2
days before the rash appears until the rash disappears (in about
4 to 5 days). The only danger is to unborn babies and it is
therefore 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 measles
rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around
the fourth day of illness. Children with measles are often very
unwell. It is at its most infectious from 2 to 3 days before
the rash appears until 8 or 10 days afterwards. Immunisation
can prevent this disease.
Mumps
The symptoms
of mumps are swelling of the glands in front of one or both
ears. It is infectious from 2 or 3 days before the swelling
appears until 8 or 10 days after that date. If the pain is severe,
you should consult your doctor. Immunisation can prevent this
disease.
A
fever occurs commonly even with mild infections. Children often
have fever with no other symptoms. In small children it is important
to stop the temperature rising too quickly. This can be achieved
by reducing their clothing, ensuring they have lots of fluids
and giving them paracetamol and/or ibuprofen, which may be bought
from the chemist. It also helps to sponge them down with tepid
(lukewarm) water, leaving them to dry in the air.
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.
Meningitis
This
is a rare illness that occurs in babies, young children and
teenagers. It 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:
Tummy
upsets
Diarrhoea
and vomiting usually settle in 3 to 5 days and we would recommend
avoiding all food for 12 to 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids
frequently and in small amounts. If the vomiting is very frequent,
special fluids (such as Diorylate) to prevent dehydration are
available from the chemist. If symptoms persist for longer than
12 hours in babies and young children you should consult your
doctor.
Accidents
For
minor cuts and grazes, wash the wound thoroughly with water
and a little soap. To stop the bleeding apply a clean handkerchief
or dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with
a clean, dry dressing.
For
burns apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area
as soon as possible. Maintain this until the pain subsides.
This may take as long as 15 minutes. If the skin is unbroken
but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn covers
a large area or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor or
nurse as soon as possible.
Treat
sunburn as for other burns: with cold water to remove the heat.
Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol
will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sun
burn and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to
the harmful effects of the sun. Wear protective clothing, wear
a hat and apply lots of suntan cream.
If
your nose bleeds, sit in a chair (leaning forwards with your
mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately
10 minutes, by which time the bleeding usually stops. Sucking
on an ice cube may help. If the bleeding continues, repeat the
procedure. If the the bleeding still continues, consult your
doctor.
For
insect bites and stings antihistamine tablets can be obtained
from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve
most symptoms. Bicarbonate of soda may be applied to bee stings
and vinegar dabbed on a wasp sting. NOTE: bee stings should
be scraped away rather than "plucked".
Hay
Fever
Hay
fever causes sneezing and a runny or blocked nose, especially
in spring and early summer. Effective medication including antihistamine
tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays are available from the pharmacist.
