Parent Tips JA

 In Jamaica we recently experienced a natural disaster which has interrupted the water supply to many homes. Unfortunately, this puts us at risk, for several infections including Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an infection in your stomach and intestines which are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. The most common cause is viruses. Your child can get these germs by ingesting contaminated food or water, poor hygiene or coming in contact with an infected person. Sometimes kids tend to share each other food and drinks when in a group setting and this is another way of them getting the infection. Symptoms to look out for: -vomiting -diarrhoea -abdominal pain -fever -refusing to eat and drink -lethargy -irritability -decreased wet diapers or less frequent urination -thirst -weight loss Treatment Sorry parents there is no specific treatment for this illness. The main goal is to prevent or treat dehydration. Most times these children can be treated at home with rehydration flu...

  U H- OH! My Child has a Fever Many parents get anxious and scared when their child has a fever. Even me as a doctor gets scared when my children get a fever. So let us take a deep breath in and tackle this one step at a time. A fever occurs when the body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit,38 degrees Celsius or higher. The temperature can be measured by placing a thermometer at the underarm, forehead, mouth, at the ear or rectum. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of fever. Your child can also get a fever after receiving immunizations which usually goes away after one to two days. Dressing in warm clothing can also cause an elevated temperature. So, it is best to put on lighter clothing and to recheck the temperature after a couple of minutes. Here are a couple of signs to look out for : - Your child might say they suddenly feel hot or cold. They might even start to shiver. -When you touch the child, their skin suddenly feels hotter than usual. -Fatigue...