My son was unwell for several days and for the first time I felt like a mechanic who couldn’t fix his own car. Every time I thought ah! I have this figured out something else came up. Until I met a Doctor friend who said sometimes kids get bugs that are unexplained. During this period I learnt a few things I’d like to share.
- Regardless of child’s age all his/her utensils should be properly sterilized. Studies have shown that Rota virus infection in older children is worse than the younger ones.
- Cold drinks e.g. water, soft drinks do affect the child because they act as a media for infections viral or bacterial especially upper and lower respiratory tract.
- Immediately you remove your baby’s pamper especially one with stool wash your hands thoroughly before fitting him/her with new pamper.
- Be prepared when you come to the doctor. If your child is having vomiting or diarrhea carry the stool and urine sample. These can be brought to the lab at most ONE hour after collection.
- Make sure your child is warmly dressed especially at night since the child keeps tossing and turning chances of staying under covers are minimal. Please don’t judge by the way you feel children are more sensitive to lower temperatures than adults.
- An important sign that your child could be feeling cold is if they start to have running nose, sneezing or coughing. Dress him/her up give warm fluids and you will see the change.
- Reassure the child and be honest with them on exactly what is going on regardless of age. Let then know everything is being done to make them feel better but don’t over do it. It’s not the time to buy that toy or game or sweets just make it look like part of life.
- Oh! Don’t scare the child about doctors. Many a time I’ve heard parents tell kids to ‘behave or the doctor will inject you!!’ This just makes it harder for the child to cooperate with the doctor/health profession. Also chances that your child may not say when he/she is ill are high for fear of injections. As for dentist visits, well even I, am still afraid.
- Don’t panic regardless of what your child is going through. This just makes them worry too.
- Do not be afraid to ask for or accept help from partner/spouse or whoever is available. You need rest and fresh mind to handle whatever comes tomorrow.
