health
Fever: friend or foe?
Few things spike parental anxiety like a rising temperature. Yet fever itself isn’ t always the enemy.“ A fever is often the body’ s natural way of fighting infection,” says Dr Mafongosi.“ Mild fevers don’ t always need treatment, especially if the child is still drinking fluids, playing around and generally coping well.”
The early signs of flu
Flu can escalate quickly, especially in younger children. Early symptoms often include a sudden fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle aches, a sore throat and cough. Some children may become unusually clingy, irritable or lethargic – a marked change from their usual selves.
Parents should be particularly concerned if a child:
• Has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly
• Is very drowsy or struggles to wake up
• Has a fever lasting more than three days
• Refuses fluids or shows signs of dehydration
Globally, flu leads to millions of severe cases each year, with children under five among the most vulnerable.
However, if your child is miserable, uncomfortable or unable to rest, it’ s appropriate to step in.
For babies and toddlers, she recommends:
• Using antipyretics like paracetamol in the correct dose for the child’ s age and weight
• Keeping them comfortably dressed( not over- or underdressed)
• Encouraging fluids to prevent dehydration
• Prioritising rest
And, as Dr Mafongosi adds, it is important to avoid aspirin and medicines containing aspirin, such as Med-Lemon, Grand-Pa, Disprin and Compral. Aspirin may lead to liver damage( Reye’ s syndrome) in children under 12 years of age. Furthermore, if a baby younger than three months develops a fever, seek medical advice immediately without delay.
Infants
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Baby-Vac Nasal Aspirator At Home
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This unique, Hungarian-invented device is specially designed to remove the nasal secretions of babies & infants. This is the first and most effective device to allow mothers to perform nasal suction / aspiration at home.
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Recommended from 0 to 6 + years of age or until the children can blow their noses by themselves.
Available at selected pharmacies and
Pharmacists who care