CARING FOR A SICK PERSON
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RELIEVING ITCHINESS
Soothe itchy skin by dabbing with calamine lotion
• For itchiness caused by dry skin, moisturize the skin by applying emollients, such as aqueous cream and petroleum jelly, after washing and bathing.
• To soothe severe itching caused by chicken pox, apply calamine lotion to the spots.
• For severe itching, apply topical corticosteroids sparingly to the area. Always follow the manufacturer’ s instructions with corticosteroids.
PREVENTING DEHYDRATION
• If you have a fever or are suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids every 1 – 2 hours, such as diluted orange juice, weak sweetened tea, or an over-the-counter rehydration solution, which contains essential minerals and glucose.
• Do not give milk to adults, children, or bottle-fed babies if they are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting.
• If a breastfed baby is affected, continue to breastfeed and offer the baby extra fluids.
Give fruitflavored rehydrating fluids to drink
RELIEVING A BLOCKED NOSE
• Fill a bowl or basin with hot water and lean over it with a towel pulled over your head. Breathe deeply.
• Alternative methods are to rub a vapor ointment on the chest or to use decongestant capsules that are filled with menthol and other strong-smelling oils.
! Important
• Do not give steam inhalation treatment to young children.
• Older children should undergo steam inhalation treatment only if supervised.