What are the symptoms of a common cold?
How many can you think of with the person sitting next to you?
Common Cold
Question How many colds is it normal
for a child to have in one year?
A None B 1-2 C 4-5 D 7-10 Answer
Antibiotics Viruses and bacteria
What’s the difference?
Most common infections (coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea)
are caused by VIRUSES
Antibiotics do not work against viruses
The body’s immune system fights the infection
Antibiotics Antibiotics cause side effects
(rash, vomiting, diarrhoea)
If we use too many antibiotics now,they may not work in the future when we need them
When should I get help?
Breathing difficulties Severeear pain or sore throat
(painkillers not helping) Drooling saliva Not passing urine Severe headache or drowsiness Painfulto look at bright lights Tiny red or pinprick spots on skin
When should I get help?
Ear pain for longer than 3 – 4 days Sore throat for longer than 7 days Cough and cold for longer than 10 days
Getting worse rather than better
Ear Infections Inside the ear
Often with cough, fever Usually caused by virus Antibiotics not always needed
Outside the ear Usually itchy, sometimes painful Drops are sometimes needed
Treatment Fluids little and often Oral rehydration sachets Avoid anti-diarrhoea medicine
Do not starve yourself Avoid greasy or spicy foods Maintain good hygiene Stay off nursery / school / work for 2 days
What is normal?When should I get help? Vomiting usually better after 2 – 3 days Diarrhoea usually better after 5 - 7 days
(but may last up to 2 weeks)
Passing any blood with vomit or diarrhoea
Possible dehydration
When should I get help? Painful eye Change in vision Unable to look at bright lights
You wear contact lenses
Treatment
Clean eyes with cotton wool and cooled boiled water
Do not share towels Wash yourhands regularly Do not wear contact lenses until better
Treatment
Moisturisers Long term Every day Even when skin
good
Steroid Cream Short courses
only When skin more
itchy and red
Your medicine cupboard Painkillers / medicine for fever
Paracetamol Ibuprofen
Antihistamine Cetirizine Loratadine
Plasters
Thermometer
Where to get help
Onlinewww.nhs.uk
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk
Pharmacist
NHS Direct0845 46 47
Your GP
Out of hours GP
Emergency Department
Pharmacy First Register for free medicine
(if you get free prescriptions)
Do not need to wait for GP
Ask your GP reception for details
When to go to A&E‘critical or life threatening emergency’
Severe injuries Sudden chest or tummy pain Breathing difficulties Heavy blood loss Head injury Loss of consciousness or fit Suspected stroke Overdose
Quiz – Case 1 Your 3 year old son has been miserable all day
and feels hot. His nose is a bit runny and he’s been coughing
for the last 3-4 days. He’s not eating much at all, but is drinking
some juice. He’s been lying on the sofa all day watching
CBeebies.
How might you assess how unwell he is? How might you manage this?
Quiz – Case 2 You are a 42 year old man who is normally well. You woke last night with stomach cramps which
felt quite severe and you’ve been vomiting. You’ve vomited 6 or 7 times and also had watery
diarrhoea about 8 times. You feel sick most of the time, but are trying to
drink.
What symptoms would you be worried about? What should you do?
Quiz – Case 3 Your 4 month old baby has seemed unwell for
the last 12 hours She’s not been taking her milk (you think only
about 6 or 7 oz in total). She keeps crying, feels hotand vomited once. No one else at home is unwell. You’ve given her some paracetomol, but it’s
made no difference. It’s now 9pm and you’re worried. What are your thoughts? What are you going to do?
Quiz – Case 4 Your 6 year old has woken this morning and is
complaining that his left ear hurts. He has a temperature of 37.6. Over the last few days he’s had a bit of a runny
nose.
What are you going to do?
Feedback What did you find useful ? What might you do differently now ? Anything else you’d like to learn about ?
A Brief Guide to Teenagers Changes during the teenage years Sexual Health Drugs and alcohol Accidents
Drugs and Alcohol Drug use not always long term problem How will you talk to your child? Know the drugs Know the signs
Further information Talk to Frank www.talktofrank.com