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CHILDHOOD INFECTIONS
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On the first day a rash appears with small red spots about
¾mm wide. Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the
centre. During the next three or four days further spots will appear
and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion
may be applied to help the itching. The most infectious period is
two or three days before the rash appears and until the last crusts
have formed dry centres, usually 7-10 days after the rash started.
Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have
dropped off.
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The rash appears during the first day of the illness and usually
covers the body, arms and legs in small pink spots about 2-4 mm
large and does not itch. There are usually no other symptoms, apart
from the occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days
before the rash appears until the rash disappears in about four or five
days. The only danger is to unborn babies and it is important to
avoid people who are pregnant. IMMUNISATION CAN PREVENT THIS DISEASE. |
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The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body on
about the fourth day of feeling unwell and is often accompanied by
a cough. It is most infectious from two to three days before the rash
appears until eight or ten days afterwards. IMMUNISATION CAN PREVENT THIS DISEASE. |
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The symptoms are swelling of the salivary glands in front of one or
other ear, often followed a couple of days later by a swelling in front
of the other ear. It is infectious for two or three days before the
swelling starts until ten days afterwards. If the pain is severe, you
should consult your doctor. IMMUNISATION CAN PREVENT THIS DISEASE.
N.B. All of the above infections are caused by viruses and usually
require no treatment from the doctor. However, if your child appears
particularly unwell or you are worried, your doctor will be happy to
give you advice.
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A temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections. In small
children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly
and children should be given paracetamol syrup, which may be
bought from the chemist. If they still appear hot, they should be
gently sponged all over with tepid water as in a bath or shower in
order to cool them. It is sometimes necessary to carry this out for
twenty to thirty minutes at a time on more than one occasion to get
results. If a temperature is very high and does not come down with
the above treatment or the child appears very unwell with the
temperature, you should consult your doctor. A child or adult with
a temperature will not come to any harm being brought by car or by
pram to the surgery.
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