The Fact is : You cannot catch the flu from a flu vaccine.

Older vaccines were less pure and sometimes caused brief reactions such a fever and chills. The newer flu vaccines contain only parts of the influenza virus for the body to form an immune response. Since there is no whole virus in the vaccine you cannot catch an illness from it. The flu vaccine is safe and highly recommended. In fact, pregnant women are now advised to receive the flu vaccine to prevent influenza during pregnancy. The only people that need to avoid it are people with allergies to eggs since eggs are used in making the vaccine.

Sign and Symptoms:

• Stomach pains, doing a poo can become painful.


• Not as hungery as normal.


• Irritable behaviour.


• Pushing to pass a hard poo can cause anal fissures (splits or cracks) and bleeding.


• Constipation can increase the risk of urine infections.

• Natural tendency related to slower gut movement. A history of passing poos that are firmer than normal in their early weeks of life.


• Diet. This is important, and a poor diet can aggravate constipation in children who already have this natural tendency. A poor diet will be high in animal fats (meats, dairy products, eggs) and refined sugar (rich desserts and other sweets), but low in fibre (vegetables, fruits, whole grains). There is little fibre in most convenience or "junk" foods.


• Bowel habits, such as ignoring the urge to have a poo. Sufficient time should be set aside to allow for undisturbed visits to the toilet. Some children find it difficult to fully empty their rectum of poo when they go to the toilet. Some children with constipation lose sensation in the rectum and do not feel the urge to go.


• Anal Fissures. Passing large hard poos can cause cracks (fissures) in the skin of the anus. These fissures can bleed and be painful, and this in-turn causes the child to resist going to the toilet. A vicious cycle is then in place.


• Disease. In a very small number of children, constipation may be the result of a physical disease. Diseases such as the absence of normal nerve endings in parts of the bowel, defects of the spinal cord, thyroid deficiency, mental retardation, and certain other metabolic disorders can cause constipation. All of these are rare, but your doctor will check your child for them.

• It is important for constipated children to develop the habit of sitting on the toilet regularly. This should be for at least five minutes after breakfast and tea. They should sit on the toilet even if they do not feel the urge to go. They should stay on for the full five minutes, even if they have done some poo before then. Providing a footstool and a book can be helpful. Using a kitchen timer can avoid arguments about how long they have been sitting.


• Children should learn to not resist the urge to go for a poo when it comes. You may want to find out if your child is worried about using the school toilets and see if anything can be done to help.

• 
  
  Give at least 2 servings of fruits each day. Fruits with the peel left on, such as plums, prunes, raisins, apricots, and peaches, have a lot of fibre. You could give your infant strained prunes, up to 3 tablespoons a few days each week.
  
  


• 
  
  Give at least 3 servings of vegetables each day.
  
  


• 
  
  Give cereals high in fibre, such as bran cereals, shredded wheat, whole grain cereals, oatmeal. Avoid refined cereals, such as corn flakes.
  
  


• 
  
  Give whole wheat breads instead of white bread.
  
  


• 
  
  Give bran muffins, or blend bran cereal in a blender and add it to your child's regular cereal.
  
  

• Drinking plenty of fluids helps to prevent constipation. Encourage your child to have a drink of water, dilute cordial, or fruit juice with every meal and one in-between meals and before bed.

• You may need to give your child a laxative if he or she is constipated. If you find that this does not work, or you need to give it repeatedly, then you should see your doctor.


• Prune Juice
  
  
  
  • This is a mild natural laxative that works in some children. Prune juice may taste better if mixed with another juice, such as apple, apricot, or cranberry juice. You can freeze prune juice to make icy poles, which are fun for your child to eat.
  
  
  
  


• Metamucil (psyllium husk)
  
  
  
  • This natural laxative helps soften the poo. It comes unflavoured, or orange flavour.
  
  
  
  


• Senokot (senna)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a tablet or granules, and works by stimulating the bowel to empty. The granules can be mixed with food, such as apple sauce or ice cream. Your child may have diarrhoea or stomach cramps if the dose is too high. Giving Senokot at night may reduce cramping.
  
  
  
  


• Bisacoldyl (bisacodyl)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a tablet, and also works by stimulating the bowel to empty.
  
  
  
  


• Coloxyl (docusate / poloxalkol)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a tablet or drops (which are most suitable for children under 3 years of age), and works by softening the poo.
  
  
  
  


• Lactodil (lactulose)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a liquid, and works by softening the poo and stimulating the bowel to empty. May taste better mixed with juice or milk.
  
  
  
  


• Agarol (liquid paraffin and phenolphthalein)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a liquid, and works by softening and lubricating the poo to make it easier to pass. It also stimulates the bowel to empty
  
  
  
  


• Parachoc (liquid paraffin - chocolate-vanilla flavour)
  
  
  
  • This laxative comes as a liquid, and works by softening and lubricating the poo to make it easier to pass.
  
  
  
  

• You may need to use a rectal suppository if you have given your child laxatives for two or three days and the constipation isn't any better.. The suppository should first be coated with a water-soluble lubricant, like K-Y Jelly, before inserting it into the rectum. Do not use Vaseline to coat the suppository; it is not water-soluble.


• A poo will usually occur within 30 minutes of giving the suppository. If you need to use suppositories more than just occasionally, then you should see your doctor. Examples include glycerin suppositories, or Durolax suppositories.

• Never give an enema to your child unless your child's doctor has told you to.


• There are some mini-enemas (e.g. Micronema) that are suitable for young children.

• A very small number of children get so constipated that they need to be admitted to hospital to have the bowel cleaned out. This is usually done with a fluid called Golytely, which can be given as a drink. The amount needed is quite large and some children will not drink it. It can then be given through a tube passed down to the stomach.

  ---

  
  

Signs of colic include

• Unexplained bouts of irritability


• Fussing or crying which may lead to agonizing screams

 Colic attacks are most common in the evenings. Onset is usually in the first 3 weeks of life. Fortunately, colic usually is gone by the age of 3 or 4 months.

Infants with colic often draw their knees up against their chests, clench their fists, tense their stomachs and pass gas. Colic is not a normal crying episode. These babies are crying because they are in pain.

Colic occurs equally in males and females and is not more common in low birth weight infants. Premature babies may show their first symptoms of colic at a later age than full term infants. The cause of colic remains unknown.

Treatment of colic should begin with a careful history and physical exam by your pediatrician or family doctor. Once organic disease has been ruled out, the doctor will advise you about managing the colic.

The Treatment Plan is:

• Gentle massaging of the infant's stomach.


• Rhythmic stimulation provided by walking, a car ride, a rocking chair, a stroller or an infant swing.


• Singing or humming softly to the baby, or listening to music.


• Mobiles supported safely above the crib may distract the baby from discomfort. For young infants, high contrast black and white images are best.

  ---

  
  

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a virus that spreads very easily. A child will show signs of chickenpox within 10 to 21 days of being exposed. It is contagious from 36 hours before the rash appears until all of the sores that develop have scabbed over (usually seven to 10 days).

What should be Your Preference?

The best way to protect children from chickenpox is to make sure they are immunized against this illness.

What to do If your Child has Chickenpox?

If your child develops chickenpox:

• Give your child acetaminophen (Paracetamol or Panadol). Do not give your child aspirin because it has been associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.


• Keep your child in the house and away from other children until all of the sores have developed scabs.


• Encourage your child not to scratch.


• Cut fingernails short to minimize damage and scarring that occurs when your child scratches the rash. Also, keep the child's hands clean to prevent infecting the rash.


• Cleanse the skin regularly and gently with soap and water.


• Apply calamine lotion to the rash to help minimize itching.


• Allow the child to soak for 15 minutes in a warm bath with one half cup of oatmeal to control itching. Do not rinse the skin after the bath. Gently pat the skin dry.


• Rinse the child's mouth with salt water (one half teaspoon salt to one cup of water) if sores develop in the mouth.

Take the child to the nearest health facility if your child:

• Has extreme itching that cannot be controlled with the steps listed above.


• Develops infected sores.


• Is very sleepy or has difficulty walking.


• Complains of neck pain or a stiff neck.


• Vomits.

  ---

  
  

• Runny nose


• Mild cough


• Stuffiness.

• Very fast breathing


• Poor feeding


• Noisy breathing (wheezing)


• Drawing in of the chest with each breath


• Fever. 

• If the child has difficulty breathing  (very fast or not regular breaths).


• Cannot feed normally because of coughing or wheezing.


• Is changing colour in the face when they cough.


• Turns blue or has skin that is pale and sweaty.

• Medicines do not usually help babies with bronchiolitis. Antibiotics are not given because bronchiolitis is caused by a virus.  Antibiotics don't not cure viruses. In cases where it may be alongside of some other infection antibiotcs are used.


• Babies need to rest, and to take small amounts of fluid more often, so they don't get too tired when feeding.


• Give more frequent breastfeeds or smaller amounts of formula or water more often. If children do not get enough drinks they can get dehydrated.


• You can give paracetamol (eg. Panadol, Tempol) if your child is irritable.

• Watch them closely that they do not get more sick.


• Give them some extra oxygen. as the child may not appear cyanosed but actually there is Hypoxia.


• Give them extra fluids through a drip into a vein (intravenous/IV therapy). Quantity should not Exceed otherwise it would worsen the child's condition.

• Coughing


• Wheezing


• Chest tightness or pain


• Shortness of breath.

• pollen


• Ghee (its extensive use usualy in rice recipes)


• animal dander


• change in weather


• dust mites


• cockroaches


• molds


• cigarette smoke


• perfumes


• infections


• The most common trigger that starts an acute attack of asthma is a respiratory (chest) infection caused by a virus. Virus infections are very common in young children. If your child is prone to asthma he is likely to wheeze and cough at these times. If asthma is triggered by a viral infection your child may have a fever and clear runny nose.


• Exercise


• Asthma often runs in families.

• Get the child away from the Allergen (cause of the attack).


• Help him or her stay calm and relaxed by taking slow, deep breaths.


• Give medications, if already prescribed by the doctor.


• Drink water to help thin mucus and make coughing easier.


• Take the child to the nearest Hospital for proper treatment.

• 
  
  Ventolin (most common), Bricanyl.
  
  

• Prednisolone (a type of steroid).

• Becotide,  Pulmicort.

• Relieving treatment (eg Ventolin, Bricanyl) should be taken to relieve symptoms of asthma such as cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath.


• Preventative treatment (eg  Becotide, Pulmicort ), should be taken every day, if it has been prescribed by your doctor.


• Make sure you and your child know how to take asthma medications.


• Make sure your child has their asthma medication with them at all times.


• Ensure people caring for your child know that they have asthma and what to do during an asthma attack.


• Asthma affects each child differently and asthma is unpredictable

  ---

  
  

A Large number of children are bitten or scratched by a family pet – especially cats and dogs. Most of the time you do not have to worry about these injuries and attention of a doctor is not required. If the cut, scratch or puncture wound is minor, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. A loose, sterile bandage would be enough to cover the wound.

Your child should see a doctor if:

1. The injury is so severe that it require stitches.


2. The cut or puncture wound is bleeding excessively.


3. There are signs of infection. like severe swelling and pain and drainage of pus.


4. Your child was bitten or scratched by an animal other than a family pet. If there is a risk of rabies, your child may need a series of shots for protection from this disease.

Rabies always is a concern when an animal bite occurs. Your family pets should be vaccinated against rabies to protect both the pet and your family from harm. Stray dogs or cats in our area have never been given a rabies vaccine. Bats, foxes and other wild animals also may be rabies carriers. If a neighborhood pet or a stray animal bites your child, notify the Municipal Committe so that proper action is taken to protect other children from being bitten.

Teach your child not to play with stray dogs

Most children are bitten or scratched by family pets or neighborhood pets. It is best if children handle pets only when an adult is present. Your child should never tease or hit a dog, especially a strange dog. Teach your child not to try to take toys, sticks or food from a dog. The dog may bite the child. Also, teach your child not to play with stray animals.

When a person sneezes, they increase their intrathoracic pressure and can decrease venous blood flow back to the heart, according to Dr. Chris Danner of UAMS’ Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. "The heart may compensate for this by a slight change in its beating rate, but the heart and its electrical activity should not stop during a sneeze,"