Child Health - Shields Pharmacy

A sick child will usually act unwell, feel sleepy and be less active. If your child is unwell, watch them carefully. Their symptoms can get worse quickly. Write down what symptoms your child has and when they first got them, so you can tell your pharmacist.

Symptoms

Fever and pain are two common symptoms you child may have if they are unwell.

Fever

37°C is the normal body temperature when measured by mouth, under the arm, by ear or on the forehead. Fever is a common symptom in childhood illness. It is one of the ways the body fights infections. Your child has a fever when their forehead is very hot to touch, or their body temperature is more than 37°C.

Talk to your Self Care Pharmacist about the different types of thermometer available to measure your child's body temperature and how to use them.

To prevent fever from getting worse:

Keep your child rested and cool.
Take off some clothes and blankets (keep covered with a sheet.) Cool the room if it is hot.
Continuously wipe the head and body with a wet, lukewarm (not cold) cloth.
Give plenty of fluids to drink (a little but often) to prevent dehydration.
Give some paracetamol. Follow dosage instructions carefully and give your child the correct amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure of how much or how often to give it.

Pain

Pain is the body's way of letting your child know that something is wrong. It can be caused by teething, injury or illness. A child in pain will still cry after you have tried everything else such as nappy change, food and cuddles.

Paracetamol is the recommended medicine for pain relief in children. Follow dosage instructions carefully and give your child the correct amount.

Important

Pain relievers should not be used regularly or continuously.
Always give the correct dose at the correct interval.
They can sometimes cover up severe illnesses such as ear-ache or meningitis, especially in babies and younger children. See a doctor quickly if you are worried.
Do not give aspirin to children under 12 years old unless your doctor says you can.
Check with your pharmacist before giving your child any new medicine.

Signs and Symptoms	Time from first contact until first sign of illness	How long is your child infectious? (Keep them away from school and other children during this time)/Special precautions to take)	What can you do to help your child?
Chicken Pox* Fever Small red pimples (first on chest and back, then on face, arms and legs) which turn to yellow blisters, then break.	10 - 21 days	From 2 days before the rash until the rash dries up, about 7 days later.	Encourage bed rest. Use cotton mittens for infants and cut and clean fingernails to stop scratching (leaves pox marks) Use Pinetarsol in the bath for itching Give antihistamines at night to relieve itching
Measles* Runny nose Sore eyes Dry cough Fever Rash - starts on neck, forehead and cheeks and moves to body	10 - 12 days	From first day of illness to 4 days after the start of rash. Other children who have not had measles and have not been immunised should be immunised within 24 hours.	Encourage bed rest and extra sleep for about 7 days. Give plenty to drink.
*Meningitis(bacterial)** Headache Fever Red-purple spots, bruises or blotchy skin Vomiting Neck stiffness Babies may have a high pitched cry and/or be difficult to wake	2 - 10 days	People who have been in contact with your child in the last 10 days will also need antibiotic treatment.	Symptoms can worsen very rapidly. Don't delay -SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Mumps* Pain in jaw. Swelling below ear in neck glands. Fever.	About 12 - 25 days	From one week before to 9 days after symptoms appear.	Encourage bed rest. Give plenty to drink. Give soft food - easy to swallow.
Rubella* Rash (starts on face then moves on to the body.) Fever. Sore throat. Swollen glands (sometimes)	About 14 - 21 days	From 7 days before rash until 4 days after rash started. Keep child away from pregnant women. If this happens the pregnant woman should see her doctor immediately.	Encourage bed rest
Whooping Cough* Nasal congestion Persistent cough - later develops "whoop" Vomiting when coughing (sometimes)	About 7 - 10 days	From 7 days after exposure to illness to 3 weeks after onset of symptoms. Keep the child away from babies and toddlers. Other children who have not been immunised should stay home for two weeks.	Encourage bed rest. Give plenty to drink.

*Immunisation can prevent this illness

Free immunisation

Immunisation (except for chickenpox) is free in New Zealand. It builds up your child's defences before your child acually becomes sick. All children should be immunised against preventable childhood illnesses.

See a doctor if your child...

Still has pain or high fever (39°C or more) after 24 hours.
Has a bout of vomiting for longer than 24 hours.
Has more than two runny smelly bowel motions in a day.
Vomits and has diahorroea together.
Breathes more quickly than normal or grunts.
Has a continuous chough or wheeze.
Has an unusual cry for longer than one hour.
Cries, grizzles and rubs at their ear, or ear is runny.
Is difficult to wake up.
Has a fit or convulsion.
Refuses two normal feeds within 24 hours.
Feels too hot or too cold.
Is unusually floppy or pale (even without other signs.)
Develops a rash or stiff neck.

top of the page