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Advice for dealing with Everyday Health Problems
Please Note: Antibiotics
These commonly prescribed and powerful medicines only work on bacteria
and are without effect on viruses. Unfortunately, this means that
common infections like coughs, colds and flu etc. will not be helped
by them at all.
The correct treatment is to follow the simple remedies outlined
below - we only prescribe antibiotics when they fail and we suspect
that there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Overuse of antibiotics may lead to them not working in future,
or on other complications like allergies, and antibiotic resistant
bacteria.
Cold & Sinus Pains
Take plenty of fluids, Paracetamol or, if over twelve years old,
Aspirin. Inhalations with steam, and Karvol/ Menthol crystals/ Olbas
oil, etc. can help clear the passages.
If they are very blocked you could use a decongestant such as Sudafed
(available at the Chemist) or Vicks Sinex etc.
You should be on the mend after seven to ten days and usually better
after two weeks and we would want to see you if you are getting
worse instead of better by then.
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Flu
If you have a temperature and are aching a lot, take Paracetamol
,or Aspirin (if over twelve). Fluids and rest are the answer.
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Coughs
These can be soothed by a drink made from honey and freshly squeezed
lemon juice (which is full of vitamins) in hot water. If it is particularly
irritating, steam inhalations (see above) can be worthwhile, or
use your favourite cough medicine.
If you bring up coloured phlegm, we may need to check your chest.
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Sore Throats
If over twelve, gargle with soluble Aspirin, otherwise give Paediatric
Paracetamol, plenty to drink, and use lozenges/ boiled sweets if
they help.
Most sore throats will settle with this treatment in three to five
days.
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Laryngitis
As for sore throats, try steam inhalations, rest your voice and
avoid smoke.
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Temperatures
Children often run temperatures with no other symptoms. They need
to be cooled down and then will feel much better, so remove their
clothes down to vest and pants and keep the room temperature down.
Use Calpol/Disprol, etc. and if necessary sponge them with lukewarm
- not cold - water or blow them with a fan or hair dryer on its
coolest setting. If there is no improvement after forty-eight hours
please let us know.
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Diarrohoea & Vomiting
This usually settles in one to three days and we recommend
avoiding all food for twelve to twenty-four hours, but give plenty
of fluids in small amounts.
If the vomiting is frequent, special fluids such as Diorylate prevent
dehydration and are available at the chemist. Ask for advice if
a small child is affected.
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Head Lice
These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and
are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Please discuss
this with the Health Visitor (01369 705912) or pharmacist.
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Common Infectious Diseases
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox usually begins with symptoms similar to the common cold.
A rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across on the third
or fourth day. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters
appear in the centre of these patches.
During the next 3 or 4 days further patches will appear and the
earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Oily Calamine Lotion
may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may
also help.
The most infectious period is from 2 or 3 days before the rash
appears and up to 5 days after this date. The incubation period
is 2-3 weeks. Children may return to school as soon as the last
crusts have dropped off.
Adults should consult their doctor. Exposure to chicken pox infection
during pregnancy can be serious. If this situation occurs contact
your doctor to arrange immunity testing.
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Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around
the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 or
3 days before the rash appears until 8 or 10 days after that date.
The incubation period is approximately 7-14 days. Children should
be excluded from school for 4 days after rash appears until the
child is feeling better.
Immunisation can prevent this disease and its complications
which can be serious.
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German Measles (Rubella)
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body,
arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm and does not itch.
No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching
joints. It is infectious from 7 days before the rash appears, until
the rash disappears in about 4 or 5 days from that date.
The main danger is to unborn babies and therefore it is important
that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant
can contact their doctor.
The incubation period is 10-14 days. Children should be excluded
from school until they feel well.
Immunisation can prevent this disease and its complications
which can be serious.
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Mumps
Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one or other ear
often followed, after a couple of days, by swelling in front of
the other ear. It is infectious from 7 days before the swelling
appears until 8 or 10 days after that date. If the pain is severe
you should consult your doctor. The incubation period is 14-21 days.
Children should be excluded from school until they feel well.
Immunisation can prevent this disease and its complications
which can be serious.
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