How to Treat Your Child’s Infectious Disease
Last updated on April 11th, 2018 at 11:41 am
Chickenpox
Incubation period: One to three weeks
Infectious period: The most infectious time is one to two days before the rash appears, but it continues to be infectious until all the blisters have crusted over.
Symptoms
Chickenpox is a mild infectious disease that most children catch at some time. It starts with feeling unwell, a rash and, usually, a fever.
Spots develop, which are red and become fluid-filled blisters within a day or two. They eventually dry into scabs, which drop off. The spots first appear on the chest, back, head or neck, then spread. They don’t leave scars unless they’re badly infected or picked.
What to do
You don’t need to go to your GP(*physician) or accident and emergency (A&E) department(*emergency room) unless you’re unsure whether it’s chickenpox, or your child is very unwell or distressed.
- Give your child plenty to drink.
- Use the recommended dose of paracetamol to relieve any fever or discomfort. Ibuprofen isn’t recommended for children who have chickenpox as, in rare cases, it can cause skin complications.
- Taking baths, wearing loose, comfortable clothes and using calamine lotion can all ease the itchiness.
- Try to discourage or distract your child from scratching, as this will increase the risk of scarring. Keeping their nails short will help.
- Let your child’s school or nursery know they are ill, in case other children are at risk.
- Keep your child away from anyone who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If your child had contact with a pregnant woman just before they became unwell, let the woman know about the chickenpox and suggest that she sees her GP or midwife. For women who have never had chickenpox, catching the illness in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, or the baby may be born with chickenpox.
For more information, see our page on chickenpox.
See our visual guide to rashes in babies and children.
Measles
Incubation period: 7 to 12 days
Infectious period: From around 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it’s gone.
Symptoms
- Measles begins like a bad cold and cough with sore, watery eyes.
- Your child will become gradually more unwell, with a fever.
- A rash appears after the third or fourth day. The spots are red and slightly raised. They may be blotchy, but not itchy. The rash begins behind the ears and spreads to the face and neck, then the rest of the body.
- The illness usually lasts about a week.
Measles is much more serious than chickenpox, german measles, or mumps. It’s best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Serious complications include pneumonia and death.
What to do
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and plenty to drink. Warm drinks will ease the cough.
- Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the fever and discomfort.
- Put Vaseline around their lips to protect their skin.
- If their eyelids are crusty, gently wash them with warm water.
- If your child is having trouble breathing, has a seizure, is coughing a lot or seems drowsy, seek urgent medical advice.
For more information, read see our page on measles.
Mumps
Incubation period: 14 to 25 days
Infectious period: From a few days before starting to feel unwell until a few days afterwards.
Symptoms
- A general feeling of being unwell.
- A high temperature.
- Pain and swelling on the side of the face (in front of the ear) and under the chin. Swelling usually begins on one side, followed by the other side, though not always.
- Discomfort when chewing.
Your child’s face will be back to normal size in about a week. It’s rare for mumps to affect boys’ testes (balls) – this happens more often in adult men with mumps. If you think your child’s testes are swollen or painful, see your GP.
What to do
- Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain in the swollen glands. Check the pack for the correct dosage.
- Give your child plenty to drink, but not fruit juices, as they make the saliva flow, which can worsen your child’s pain.
- There’s no need to see your GP, unless your child has other symptoms, such as a severe headache, vomiting, rash or, in boys, swollen testes.
- Mumps can be prevented by the MMR vaccine.
See our page on mumps for more information.
Slapped cheek disease (also known as fifth disease or parvovirus B19)
Incubation period: 1 to 20 days
Infectious period: A few days before the rash appears. Children are no longer contagious when the rash appears.
Symptoms
- It begins with a fever and nasal discharge.
- A bright red rash, like the mark left by a slap, appears on the cheeks.
- Over the next two to four days, a lacy rash spreads to the trunk and limbs.
- Children with blood disorders such as spherocytosis or sickle cell disease may become more anaemic. They should seek medical care.
What to do
- Make sure your child rests and drinks plenty of fluids.
- Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort and fever.
- Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant should see their GP or midwife as soon as possible if they come into contact with the infection or develop a rash.
Go to our page on slapped cheek syndrome for more information.
German measles (rubella)
Incubation period: 15 to 20 days
Infectious period: From one week before symptoms develop until up to four days after the rash appeared.
Symptoms
- It starts like a mild cold.
- A rash appears in a day or two, first on the face, then on the body. The spots are flat and are pale pink on light skin.
- Glands in the back of the neck may be swollen.
- Your child won’t usually feel unwell.
It can be difficult to diagnose rubella with certainty.
What to do
- Give your child plenty to drink.
- Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort or fever.
- Keep them away from anybody who’s in the early stages of pregnancy (up to four months) or trying to get pregnant. If your child has had contact with any pregnant women before you knew about the illness, you must let the women know, as they’ll need to see their GP.
- Rubella can be prevented by the MMR vaccine.
For more information, go visit our page on rubella.
Whooping cough
Incubation period: 6 to 21 days
Infectious period: From the first signs of the illness until about three weeks after coughing starts. If an antibiotic is given, the infectious period will continue for up to five days after starting treatment.
Antibiotics need to be given early in the course of the illness to improve symptoms.
Symptoms
- The symptoms are similar to a cold and cough, with the cough gradually getting worse.
- After about two weeks, coughing fits start. These are exhausting and make it difficult to breathe.
- Younger children (babies under six months) are much more seriously affected and can have breath-holding or blue attacks, even before they develop a cough.
- Your child may choke and vomit.
- Sometimes, but not always, there will be a whooping noise as the child draws in breath after coughing.
- The coughing fits may continue for several weeks, and can go on for up to three months.
What to do
- Whooping cough is best prevented through immunisation.
- If your child has a cough that gets worse rather than better, and starts to have longer fits of coughing more often, see your GP.
- It’s important for the sake of other children to know whether or not your child has whooping cough. Talk to your GP about how to look after your child. Avoid contact with babies, who are most at risk from serious complications.
- Whooping cough can be prevented by childhood vaccinations.
For more information, go to our page on whooping cough.
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
From www.nhs.uk
Why Your Newborn Should Have a Blood Screening Test
Last updated on April 26th, 2018 at 03:42 pm
Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they’re 5 days old.
Newborn blood spot screening involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has one of 9 rare but serious health conditions.
Most babies won’t have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous.
Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death.
What does the blood spot test involve?
When your baby is 5 days old, a health professional will prick their heel and collect 4 drops of blood on a special card.
You can ease any distress for your baby by cuddling and feeding them, and making sure they’re warm and comfortable.
Occasionally, the sample may need to be taken when your baby is 6, 7 or 8 days old.
Sometimes a second blood spot sample is needed. The reason for this will be explained to you. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your baby.
The test doesn’t carry any known risks for your baby.
Which conditions is the blood spot test for?
The blood spot test screens for the following 9 rare but serious conditions.
If you, your partner or a family member already has one of these conditions (or a family history of it), tell your health professional straight away.
Sickle cell disease
About 1 in 2,000 babies born in the UK** has sickle cell disease. This is a serious inherited blood disease.
Sickle cell disease affects haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
Babies who have this condition will need specialist care throughout their lives.
People with sickle cell disease can have attacks of severe pain and get serious, life-threatening infections. They’re usually anaemic because their blood cells have difficulty carrying oxygen.
The blood spot screening test means that babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment to help them live healthier lives. This may include vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious illnesses.
Pregnant women are also routinely tested for sickle cell disease early in pregnancy.
Read more about sickle cell disease, or download leaflets for parents whose child has sickle cell disease.
Cystic fibrosis
About 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK** has cystic fibrosis. This inherited condition affects the digestion and lungs.
Babies with cystic fibrosis may not gain weight well and are prone to chest infections.
Babies with the condition can be treated early with a high-energy diet, medicines and physiotherapy.
Although children with cystic fibrosis may still become very ill, early treatment can help them live longer, healthier lives.
Read more about cystic fibrosis, or download a leaflet for parents whose baby has suspected cystic fibrosis.
Congenital hypothyroidism
About 1 in 3,000 babies born in the UK** has congenital hypothyroidism. Babies with congenital hypothyroidism don’t have enough of the hormone thyroxine.
Without thyroxine, babies don’t grow properly and can develop learning disabilities.
Babies who have the condition can be treated early with thyroxine tablets, and this allows them to develop normally.
See more information about congenital hypothyroidism (CHT).
Inherited metabolic diseases
It’s important to let your health professional know if you have a family history of a metabolic disease (a disease that affects your metabolism).
Babies are screened for 6 inherited metabolic diseases. These are:
- phenylketonuria (PKU)
- medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
- maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
- isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
- glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)
- homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive) (HCU)
About 1 in 10,000 babies born in the UK** has PKU or MCADD. The other conditions are rarer, occurring in 1 in 100,000 to 150,000 babies.
Without treatment, babies with inherited metabolic diseases can become suddenly and seriously ill. The diseases all have different symptoms.
Depending on which one affects your baby, the condition may be life threatening or cause severe developmental problems.
They can all be treated with a carefully managed diet and, in some cases, medicines as well.
Does my baby have to have the blood spot test?
It’s not compulsory, but it’s recommended because it could save your baby’s life.
You can choose to have screening for sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis or congenital hypothyroidism individually, but you can only choose to have screening for all 6 inherited metabolic diseases or none at all.
If you don’t want your baby to be screened for any of these conditions, discuss it with your midwife.
You should be given information about the blood spot test and the diseases it screens for in advance so you can make an informed decision for your baby.
If you change your mind, babies can be screened up to the age of 12 months for all the conditions except cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can only be screened for up to 8 weeks of age.
If you have any concerns about the tests, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
When will we get the results?
You should receive the results either by letter or from a health professional by the time your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old.
The results should be recorded in your baby’s personal child health record (red book)(*health records). It’s important to keep this safe and take it with you to all your baby’s appointments.
If you haven’t received your baby’s results, speak to your health visitor or GP(*physician).
You’ll be contacted sooner if your baby screens positive. This means they’re more likely to have one of the conditions tested for.
You’ll be contacted:
- the day the result is available, or the next working day, if your baby is thought to have congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) – you’ll be given an appointment to see a specialist
- before your baby’s 4 weeks old if they’re thought to have cystic fibrosis
- before your baby’s 6 weeks old if they’re thought to have sickle cell disease
Screening for cystic fibrosis finds some babies who may be genetic carriers of the condition. These babies may need further testing.
Screening for sickle cell disease also finds babies who are carriers of this or other red blood cell diseases.
Carriers are healthy, although they can experience problems in situations where their bodies aren’t getting much oxygen – for example, if they’re having an anaesthetic.
Parents of babies who are found to be carriers should be told by the time they’re 6 to 8 weeks old.
Read more about what being a carrier means.
What do the results mean?
Most babies will have a normal result, which means it’s unlikely that they have any of the conditions.
A small number of babies will screen positive for one of the conditions. This doesn’t mean they have the condition, but they’re more likely to have it. They’ll be referred to a specialist for more tests.
It’s important to know that screening isn’t 100% certain. A baby with a negative screening result may later turn out to have the disease screened for. This is known as a false negative.
Babies with a positive result sometimes turn out not to have the disease – what’s known as a false positive.
Occasionally, other medical conditions are picked up by blood spot test screening. For example, babies with beta thalassaemia major, a serious blood disease, will usually be detected. These babies also need to be referred for early treatment.
More information
- Frequently asked questions about blood spot screening
- Find out what happens to your baby’s blood spot card
- Download a leaflet about the newborn blood spot test (PDF, 4.35Mb) – also available in other languages
- Listen to an audio guide on the blood spot test
Editor’s Notes:
*Clarification provided for our US readers
** Resources outside the U.K.
- For the individual state test conditions and screening programs in the US visit here.
- For more information on newborn blood screening visit the CDC bulletin here.
From www.nhs.uk
What is Strep and How Can it Affect Your Family?
Last updated on April 11th, 2018 at 11:46 am
There are many different types of Streptococci bacteria, and infections vary in severity from mild throat infections to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Most streptococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Streptococci are divided into two key groups:
- alpha-haemolytic – made up of two groups, including Streptococcus pneumoniae
- beta-haemolytic – made up of several groups, including Group A and Group B streptococci
This topic focuses on Group A and Group B beta-haemolytic streptococci. Read about pneumococcal infections for information on infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Group A strep
Group A strep (strep A) are often found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. They are a common cause of infection in adults and children.
They can be spread in droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with an infection, or through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated object.
Minor strep A infections
Most infections caused by strep A are unpleasant, but don’t pose a serious threat to your health. These include:
- throat infections (pharyngitis or “strep throat”) and tonsillitis – which can cause a sore throat, swollen glands and discomfort when swallowing
- impetigo – a skin infection that can cause sores, blisters and crusts to develop on the skin
- cellulitis – an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, which can cause affected areas to quickly become red, painful, swollen and hot
- a middle ear infection – which often causes earache, a high temperature (fever) and some temporary hearing loss
- sinusitis – an infection of the small cavities behind the forehead and cheekbones, which causes a blocked or runny nose and a throbbing pain in your face
- scarlet fever – an infection that causes a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch
Click on the links above for more information on these conditions.
You should see your GP(*physician) if you have persistent or severe symptoms of a strep A infection, as they may recommend a short course of antibiotics.
Most people with a minor strep A infection will make a full recovery and experience no long-term problems, although there is a very small risk the infection could spread further into the body or lead to complications such as rheumatic fever if left untreated.
Invasive strep A infections
In rare cases, strep A bacteria can penetrate deeper inside the tissues and organs of the body, and become what’s known as an invasive infection.
These infections are much rarer and usually affect certain groups of people, including babies, elderly people, people with diabetes, and people with weak immune systems (for example, because of cancer treatment or HIV).
Examples of invasive infections include:
- pneumonia – an infection of the lungs that causes persistent coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain
- sepsis – an infection of the blood that causes a fever, rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing
- meningitis – an infection of the protective outer layer of the brain that causes a severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and a distinctive blotchy red rash
- toxic shock syndrome – where bacteria release toxins into the blood, which can cause a sudden high fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, fainting, dizziness and confusion
- necrotising fasciitis – an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, fat and covering of the muscle (fascia), which can cause severe pain, swelling and redness of the affected area that can spread very quickly
Click on the links above for more information on these conditions.
You should seek immediate medical advice if you think you may have an invasive strep A infection, as you will need to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.
Although pneumonia is sometimes relatively mild, the overall outlook for more serious invasive strep A infections is poor. It’s estimated up to one in every four people who develop an invasive strep A infection will die from it.
Group B strep
Group B strep (strep B) usually live harmlessly inside the digestive system and in the vagina.
Strep B can sometimes cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, bone infections, blood infections and pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with diabetes.
Strep B in pregnancy
It’s estimated around one in every four pregnant women have strep B bacteria in their vagina or digestive system.
The bacteria can sometimes be passed on to the baby through the amniotic fluid (a clear liquid that surrounds and protects the unborn baby in the womb) or as the baby passes through the birth canal during labour.
Most babies exposed to strep B will be unaffected, but in around 1 in every 2,000 cases they can become infected.
A strep B infection during pregnancy can also cause miscarriage or stillbirth, but this is rare.
Strep B in newborn babies
As newborn babies have a poorly developed immune system, strep B bacteria can quickly spread through their body, causing serious infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.
The symptoms of a strep B infection in a newborn baby usually develop within the first few hours or days of giving birth, and include:
- being floppy and unresponsive
- poor feeding
- grunting when breathing
- irritability
- an unusually high or low temperature
- unusually fast or slow breathing
- an unusually fast or slow heart rate
In some cases, a baby can pick up a strep B infection a few weeks or months after birth. It’s not known exactly why this happens, but it’s not related to infection during birth. Symptoms of a late-onset group B strep infection can include a fever, poor feeding, vomiting and reduced consciousness.
You should seek immediate medical advice if you think your baby may have a group B strep infection.
Preventing and treating strep B infections in babies
It’s possible to reduce the chances of a baby becoming infected with strep B by identifying cases where there is a risk of the bacteria being passed from a mother to their child and giving the mother antibiotics directly into a vein (intravenously) during labour.
Known risk factors that may mean you need intravenous antibiotics during labour include:
- you have previously given birth to a baby with a strep B infection
- strep B is found in your urine during tests carried out for other purposes
- strep B is found during vaginal and rectal swabs carried out for other purposes
- you have a fever during labour
- you go into labour prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
If your baby develops symptoms of a strep B infection after they’re born, they will have tests to confirm the diagnosis and will be given intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible.
Most babies who become infected can be treated successfully and will make a full recovery, although there is chance they could die as a result of complications such as meningitis. Some babies who survive are left with permanent problems, such as hearing loss, vision loss, and problems with memory and concentration.
Further information:
- Is my unborn baby at risk of early-onset group B Streptococcus infection?
- What are the risks of group B Streptococcus infection during pregnancy?
- Group B Strep Support: what is group B strep?
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
From www.nhs.uk
Struggling With Depression After Childbirth? You are not Alone
Last updated on March 19th, 2018 at 06:03 pm
The baby blues
During the first week after childbirth, many women get what’s often called the ‘baby blues’. Women can feel down or depressed at a time when they expect they should feel happy at having a baby to look after. ‘Baby blues’ are probably due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that take place in your body after childbirth.
Symptoms can include:
- feeling emotional and irrational
- bursting into tears for no apparent reason
- feeling irritable or touchy
- feeling depressed or anxious
All these symptoms are normal and usually only last for a few days.
Is it postnatal depression?
Depression after a baby is born can be extremely distressing. Postnatal depression is thought to affect around one in 10 women (and up to four in 10 teenage mothers).
Many women suffer in silence. Their friends, relatives and health professionals don’t know how they’re feeling.
Postnatal depression usually occurs two to eight weeks after the birth, though sometimes it can happen up to a year after the baby is born.
Symptoms such as tiredness, irritability or poor appetite are normal if you’ve just had a baby. But these are usually mild and don’t stop you leading a normal life.
When you have postnatal depression, you may feel increasingly depressed and despondent. Looking after yourself or your baby may become too much. Emotional signs of postnatal depression may include:
- loss of interest in the baby
- feelings of hopelessness
- not being able to stop crying
- feelings of not being able to cope
- not being able to enjoy anything
- memory loss or being unable to concentrate
- excessive anxiety about the baby
Other signs of postnatal depression may also include:
- panic attacks
- sleeplessness
- extreme tiredness
- aches and pains
- feeling generally unwell
- anxiety
- loss of appetite
Getting help for postnatal depression
If you think you have postnatal depression, don’t struggle alone. It’s not a sign that you’re a bad mother or are unable to cope. Postnatal depression is an illness and you need to get help, just as you would if you had the flu or a broken leg.
Talk to someone you trust, such as your partner or a friend. Or ask your health visitor (*nurse) to call in and visit you. Many health visitors have been trained to recognize postnatal depression and have techniques that can help. If they can’t help, they’ll know someone in your area who can.
It’s also important to see your GP (*physician). If you don’t feel up to making an appointment, ask someone to do it for you.
Treatment for postnatal depression
Milder cases of postnatal depression can be treated with counselling. This can be given by the health visitor or a therapist. More severe cases often require antidepressants and you may need to see a specialist.
It’s important to let your GP know if you’re breastfeeding. If you need to take antidepressants, they’ll prescribe a type of medication that’s suitable while you’re breastfeeding.
You may also find it helpful to contact the Association for Post-Natal Illness or the National Childbirth Trust.
Your local children’s centre can put you in touch with your nearest postnatal group. These groups provide contact with other new mothers and encourage mums to support each other. They offer social activities and help with parenting skills.
Avoiding alcohol
Alcohol may appear to help you relax and unwind. In fact, it’s a depressant that affects your mood, judgement, self-control and co-ordination. It has even more of an effect if you’re tired and run-down. Be careful about when and how much you drink, and don’t drink alcohol if you’re taking anti-depressants or tranquillisers.
Postpartum psychosis
This condition, which is also called puerperal psychosis, is extremely rare. Only one or two mothers in 1,000 develop a severe psychiatric illness that requires medical or hospital treatment after the birth of a baby. This illness can develop within hours of childbirth and is very serious, needing urgent attention.
Other people usually notice it first as the mother often acts strangely. It is more likely to happen if you have a severe mental illness, a past history of severe mental illness or a family history of perinatal mental illness. Specialist mother and baby units can provide expert treatment without separating you from your baby.
Most women make a complete recovery, although this may take a few weeks or months.
Postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often the result of a traumatic birth, such as a long or painful labour, or an emergency or problematic delivery. It can also develop after other types of trauma, such as:
- a fear of dying or your baby dying
- life-threatening situations
The symptoms of postnatal PTSD can occur alone or in addition to the symptoms of postnatal depression.
The symptoms can develop straight after the birth or months afterwards.
It’s extremely important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Your midwife, GP or health visitor will be able help you. If you’re worried about talking to a health professional, consider asking a close friend or family member to come with you for support.
There are effective treatments available, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications. Read more about treatments for PTSD.
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
From www.nhs.uk
How To Care For Babies And Children With Diarrhea And Vomiting
Last updated on March 19th, 2018 at 06:06 pm
It’s also important to be careful with hygiene while your child is ill to stop diarrhoea and vomiting spreading.
Looking after a baby or toddler with diarrhoea and vomiting
- Carry on offering babies their usual milk feeds. Bottle-fed babies can also have drinks of water between feeds. Keep giving them formula at the usual strength – never water it down.
- Toddlers over 1 can have other drinks, such as full-fat cows’ milk, but avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks as these can make diarrhoea worse.
- If your child is having solid foods, offer them food as usual if they seem to want it.
- If you wish, you can give your baby oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution to help prevent dehydration. This is available from your pharmacist.
If you’re worried about your child, you can speak to your GP(*physician), health visitor or pharmacist, or call NHS 111** for advice.
When to get medical advice
Vomiting usually lasts for 1 to 2 days, while diarrhoea lasts for about 5 to 7 days.
If your child’s symptoms last longer than this or they’re showing signs of dehydration, speak to your GP.
Signs of dehydration in a baby or toddler
Your child may be dehydrated if they have:
- sunken eyes
- in young babies, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head
- few or no tears when they cry
- a dry mouth
- fewer wet nappies
- dark yellow urine
When to get medical help urgently
Get medical advice urgently if your baby or toddler:
- seems to be deteriorating rather than getting better
- has a temperature of over 38C (100.4F) for a baby less than 3 months old, or over 39C (102.2F) for a baby aged 3 to 6 months old (over 6 months a child’s temperature isn’t the most useful indicator of how seriously ill they are)
- has blood or mucus in their poo
- has bile-stained (green) vomit
- has severe abdominal pain
Read more about how to take your baby’s temperature.
Find out more about other signs of serious illness in young children.
How to rehydrate your child with ORS solution
If your baby becomes dehydrated, they’ll need to be rehydrated with oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution, which is available from your pharmacist or GP. They’ll explain how to use it.
The ORS solution helps replace the water and salts lost from your child’s body because of the diarrhoea and vomiting.
To rehydrate your baby or toddler, you need to offer them small amounts of ORS solution frequently over a period of about 4 hours.
If your child is breastfed, keep offering them breastfeeds as well. If your child isn’t breastfed, don’t offer them any other drinks apart from the ORS solution unless a health professional suggests it.
Don’t offer your child any food while they’re having the ORS solution.
If your baby or toddler keeps vomiting the solution back up or won’t drink it, speak to your GP.
Don’t give your child anti-diarrhoea drugs unless advised to by a health professional.
Caring for your child once they’re rehydrated
Once your child is rehydrated, they can start to eat solid food again. Offer them plenty of their usual drinks, including milk feeds, but avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks.
If your child has more episodes of diarrhoea, you may be advised to give them some ORS solution after each bout.
How to stop diarrhoea and vomiting spreading
- Make sure everyone in the family washes their hands frequently, preferably using liquid soap with warm running water. They also need to dry their hands properly.
- It’s particularly important for everyone to wash their hands after going to the toilet or changing a nappy and before eating.
- Anyone who has diarrhoea and vomiting should have their own towel to use.
- Babies or children who have diarrhoea and vomiting should be kept away from childcare or school for at least 48 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Babies or children shouldn’t swim in public swimming pools for 2 weeks after diarrhoea and vomiting has stopped.
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
** Resources outside the U.K.
211.org – For help finding local resources for health advice or medical aid
From www.nhs.uk
Video: Should I Worry About my Child’s Walking Issues?
Last updated on May 3rd, 2018 at 05:38 pm
Ruth, a health visitor (*specialized nurse) discusses parental concerns about childhood walking issues, when you should contact your GP (*physician) and the normal stages of learning to walk.
Editor’s Note: Video Highlights
What is the normal way children start to walk?
- Children begin to walk with their feet turned out.
- Children begin by waddling.
- It is also common for children to have bow legs, knocked knees, and to sometimes walk with their feet turned in.
What are the main issues that concern parents?
- Bowed legs ‘
- Tiptoe walking
- Flat feet
- Knocked Knees
How worried should parents be if their children exhibit any of the above issues? 
- Most walking issues resolve themselves simply.
- If there is concern, contact the child’s GP (*physician).
- Two years of age is a good time to ask about potential walking issues.
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
From www.nhs.uk
