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Question: True or false? Coughs and colds are usually caused by a virus?
Answer: True
Question: True or false? Coughs and colds are not contagious.
Answer: False - very contagious.
Question: True or false? Coughs and colds are usually mild.
Question: True or false? Paracetamol and Ibuprofen won’t help coughs and colds.
Answer: False - both will make children feel better.
Question: True or false? Coughs and colds will take 1 week to resolve.
Answer: False - can take up to 4 weeks to resolve.
Question: True or false? You should see a doctor when your child is wheezy.
Answer: False - babies and young children are often wheezy when they have a viral infection. They need to be seen by a doctor if they are struggling to breathe.
Question: True or false? You should see a doctor urgently if your child is struggling to breathe.
Question: True or false? You should see a doctor if your child is getting increasingly drowsy.
Question: True or false? You should see a doctor if after 7 days your child is getting worse.
Question: How long do symptoms last when a child has diarrhoea and vomiting?
Answer: Vomiting tends to last for 1-2 days, and diarrhoea may last for about 5 days.
Question: What are the signs of dehydration?
Answer: Cold hands and feet, sunken eyes, passing very little urine, becoming lethargic or difficult to wake and a sunken soft spot on the head in children less than a year of age.
Question: How long do children need to stay off school/nursery after diarrhoea/vomiting?
Answer: Until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.
Question: How can you avoid other family members getting unwell with diarrhoea/vomiting?
Answer: Avoid spreading the virus by washing your hands with soap and water after changing nappies. Keep toilets clean and don’t share towels.
Question: What are the first signs of a tummy bug?
Answer: Feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Question: Do tummy bugs usually need treatment with antibiotics?
Answer: No – tummy bugs are extremely common in young children and are almost always caused by a virus.
Question: Should you stop breastfeeding if your baby has a tummy bug?
Answer: No - if you are breastfeeding, continue doing so, although your baby may need extra fluids on top.
Question: Why should young children be watched closely when they have a tummy bug?
Answer: Young children, especially those under 1 year of age, are at more risk of becoming dehydrated.
Question: If your baby is on formula, should you dilute it if they have a tummy bug?
Answer: No – you should never dilute your baby’s formula.
Question: If your child has a tummy bug, when should you take them to see a doctor?
Answer: If they are becoming dehydrated, not keeping down any fluids, have blood in their poo or continue to have fever and vomiting without any diarrhoea.
Question: Above what temperature is considered to be a fever?
Answer: Above 38°C / 100°F
Question: How do you measure a temperature?
Answer: A thermometer under the arm or in the ear. Forehead thermometers can be inaccurate.
Question: What usually causes a fever?
Answer: A VIRUS!! Fever is common in children and usually mild. Antibiotics are not usually required, especially if a child has a runny nose or wheeze.
Question: What can you do/give your child when they have a fever?
Answer: 1. Fluids! Keep your child hydrated 2. Give Paracetamol and Ibuprofen 3. Keep your child in loose clothing 4. Don’t sponge down
Question: When should you take your child to the doctor?
Answer: 1. If your child does not respond normally or is difficult to wake. 2. If your child hasn’t had a wet or dirty nappy for more than 12 hours. 3. If the fever is associated with a rash that doesn’t go away on pressing (glass test). 4. If your child has a fit. 5. If the temperature lasts longer than 5 days. All children under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher need to see a doctor. Unless fever within 48 hours of vaccines and baby otherwise well.
Question: What is the glass test?
Answer: The glass test: press a clear glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the marks clearly through the glass seek urgent medical help immediately.
