Childhood illnesses

#Childhood illnesses #Gastrointestinal illnesses #kid's health

Vomiting in children

January 10, 2024February 11, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Vomiting is one of the most common reasons parents take their child to the doctor. Babies often bring up small amounts of food after feeding — it’s known as posseting or reflux, but this is different to vomiting. Vomiting in children can result from many different causes, but viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause. Babies and children are especially at risk of dehydration when they are vomiting. Children with diarrhoea and vomiting should be given small amounts of oral rehydration solution or plain water often (for example, every 15 minutes), especially if they are vomiting a lot.

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#Childhood illnesses #Infectious diseases #kid's health #School exclusion periods

Mumps

December 27, 2023February 27, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Mumps is a viral illness which can spread from one person to another easily. It commonly causes fever, tiredness and swelling of the salivary glands in the face. Mumps can cause serious complications and have a lasting effect on your health, such as hearing loss and infertility. Vaccination is the best protection against mumps. What is mumps? Mumps is a contagious viral illness. It does not always cause symptoms. If mumps does cause symptoms, it can bring about a fever, swelling of the salivary glands (parotitis) and inflammation in other parts of the body. Some cases of mumps

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Meningitis

December 21, 2023January 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses or fungi. Meningitis is a serious illness that needs urgent treatment. There are vaccines available that can help prevent meningitis. What is meningitis? Meningitis is a rare but serious infection of your meninges (the membranes covering your brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is usually caused by a virus or bacteria, and sometimes it’s caused by a fungus. Viral meningitis is usually a less dangerous form of meningitis and most commonly affects children. Bacterial meningitis is a

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#Childhood illnesses #Infectious diseases #kid's health #School exclusion periods

Measles

December 19, 2023February 27, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Measles is a very contagious viral illness. You are likely to be immune if you are vaccinated against measles, or have already had measles. Measles causes fever, cough, red eyes and a red, blotchy rash. Measles can lead to serious complications including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. What is measles? Measles is a very contagious viral illness. It’s best known for its characteristic red blotchy rash. Measles can be very serious and can lead to hospitalisation and even death. Measles was very common in

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Looking after a sick child

December 16, 2023January 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The most common signs of illness in children include a fever, sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, and a rash. A child who has a fever, is vomiting, or who has mucus in their eyes should not go to school or day care. It’s normal for children to get mild illnesses, but you can help your child stay well by arranging on-time vaccinations, and teaching them good hygiene practices. If your child’s symptoms don’t improve after 2 days, or they get worse, your child should see a doctor. How can I tell if my child is sick?

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Impetigo

December 10, 2023February 27, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is impetigo? Impetigo is a very common skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It affects mainly children. It’s sometimes called ‘school sores’. Impetigo is contagious and can be very dangerous for newborn babies. It’s important to keep children who have impetigo away from babies and they should not go to school or childcare until treatment has started. What are the symptoms of impetigo? Impetigo causes sores on the skin. These can be in the form of blisters that grow quickly, then burst and leave a moist area with a brown crust at the edge. The blisters can be

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#Childhood illnesses #H #Healthy and active children #kid's health

Hydration tips for children

December 9, 2023February 3, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Children need to drink water throughout the day, to help maintain their body temperature, make bodily fluids and for day-to-day functioning. Young children and babies are at highest risk of becoming dehydrated. If your child is very thirsty, they are probably already dehydrated. Mild dehydration can be treated at home by giving oral rehydration fluids or water. Do not give drinks that are high in sugar. Why do children need to stay hydrated? Most of your child’s body is made up of water. Water helps maintain body temperature, make bodily fluids and function day-to-day. Dehydration can cause poor sports performance,

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

December 4, 2023January 11, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Hand, foot and mouth disease is a very contagious and common viral illness that mainly affects children under 10 years old. The main symptoms are blisters in and around your child’s mouth, on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Your child may also have a fever and a sore throat and mouth. The virus spreads through contact with the fluid inside the blisters, as well as via faeces (poo), coughs and sneezes. Treat symptoms with paracetamol and rest, and by staying hydrated. What is hand, foot and mouth disease? Hand, foot and mouth disease

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#Childhood illnesses #Infectious diseases #kid's health #School exclusion periods

German measles (rubella)

November 30, 2023February 27, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Rubella is a contagious illness caused by a virus. Around 1 in every 2 people who become infected with rubella do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of rubella are usually mild and include fever, rash, joint aches and tiredness. Rubella can cause serious birth defects in babies whose mothers catch rubella during pregnancy. Vaccination is the best protection against rubella. Rubella (German measles) What is rubella? Rubella is a contagious illness caused by a virus. Rubella is also known as ‘German measles’, but it is different to the illness caused by the measles virus. Some people with rubella

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Food allergies (in children)

November 27, 2023January 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts A food allergy is an immune response to a food that the body incorrectly identifies as being dangerous. Food allergies can range from mild to severe and in some cases can be life-threatening. Children need to avoid eating foods that they are allergic to. As children get older, they often outgrow their food allergies. If your child has a food allergy, you should work with their doctor to create an ASCIA action plan. This plan will guide you in the event your child experiences an allergic reaction, including a severe reaction (anaphylaxis). What are food allergies? A food

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Fever in children

November 25, 2023January 11, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Fever is common in children. Fevers are usually caused by viral infections. If your child has a fever, they will have a high temperature and may also be flushed, shivering or sweating. You can make your child with a fever more comfortable by keeping them cool, dry and rested. If your child with a fever is under 3 months old, seek medical attention. What is a fever? A fever is a temperature of 38°C or higher. Fevers are quite common in young children and are usually mild. Sometimes the causes of a fever will need urgent attention, but

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#Childhood illnesses #Infectious diseases #kid's health #School exclusion periods

Whooping cough

November 24, 2023February 28, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Whooping cough is a contagious illness. Bacteria Bordetella pertussis causes it. The cough can last for months and may have a ‘whoop’ sound. Whooping cough can cause serious health problems in babies. Vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough. Adults may need booster vaccines for full immunity. Pregnant women and adults who have contact with babies should get a booster vaccine. What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that spreads from one person to another. It causes severe bouts of coughing. The ‘whoop’ refers to the sound you may make if you take a quick breath

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Croup

November 16, 2023January 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Croup is an infection caused by a virus. It commonly causes swelling of the voice box (larynx) and the windpipe (trachea). Children with croup often have a distinctive, harsh, ‘seal bark’ sounding cough. Croup can cause stridor — noisy, high-pitched breathing, especially when the child breaths in. In most children, croup is a mild infection which generally clears within 4 days. Croup can quickly cause breathing problems which require urgent medical assistance. Croup is more common in winter when symptoms peak in the evenings and overnight. What is croup? Croup is a viral infection in babies and young

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#Childhood illnesses #Cold and flu #kid's health

Coughs and colds (in children)

November 15, 2023January 11, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viral infections. Cold viruses are spread easily through droplets from the nose and mouth of infected people. Cold viruses can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough and lethargy. The best treatment for a cold virus is to rest at home so your child’s immune system can fight the virus. Cough syrups and cold medicines are not considered effective or recommended for children. What is the ‘common cold’? The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. Hundreds of different viruses can cause colds and they usually affect the

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Constipation in children

November 13, 2023January 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is constipation? Your child is constipated if they are doing hard poo or have trouble pushing poo out. If your child is constipated, they probably aren’t pooing regularly either. Many healthy children have problems with constipation from time to time. It is fairly common in babies, and also tends to happen around the time of toilet training. What is normal for children? Constipation in kids is quite common, but usually doesn’t have a serious cause. There are plenty of things you can do to help if your child gets constipated. Normal bowel habits for children vary. Most children have a bowel

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Conjunctivitis

November 13, 2023January 11, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Conjunctivitis is sometimes known as ‘pink eye’ or ‘sticky eye’. Conjunctivitis is a common condition where the white part of the eye becomes pink or red. One or both eyes may be watery, sore or itchy, sometimes with sticky white or yellow discharge. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, allergy, or irritants such as dust or chemicals. Your doctor or optometrist can tell you the likely cause of your conjunctivitis, if it’s contagious, and the best treatment for your type of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as ‘pink eye’ or

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#Childhood illnesses #kid's health #School exclusion periods

Chickenpox

November 9, 2023January 11, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. The most common symptom of chickenpox is an itchy red rash with fluid-filled blisters. Most cases of chickenpox are mild and get better on their own. Serious complications of chickenpox include infected blisters, pneumonia and meningitis. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against chickenpox. What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox can affect anyone at any age. Most people with chickenpox have mild symptoms and get better quickly. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious complications

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#Childhood illnesses #Healthy and active children #kid's health

Exercise for children with asthma

October 27, 2023February 3, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Having asthma is not a reason for children to avoid exercise. Some people experience asthma symptoms after vigorous exercise. This is known as exercise induced asthma or exercise induced bronchoconstriction. Symptoms of exercise induced asthma usually start about 5 to 10 minutes after vigorous exercise. Make sure your child always has their reliever puffer with them. It’s important that your child and any supervising adults know how and when to use it. Your child’s asthma action plan should contain information about preventing and responding to exercise induced asthma. Keep the plan with your child when they exercise. Should

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