First Aid Self Help
Breast Screening for over 70'sThe National Programme has now been extended to screen women up to 70 years of age and invitations will be sent out automatically. Women over 70 can be screened every three years if they request it. If you are over 70 and would like to make an appointment for screening, please contact: Breast Screening Assessment Centre The Royal Sussex County Hospital Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Telephone 01273 66496 Back to TopChickenpoxThe rash of chickenpox starts as small, itchy, red spots, which progress into clear blisters and then scab over. The spots and blisters are very itchy and can cause distress when they are numerous in the mouth and around the genitals. It is infectious from about five days before the rash and until the last spot has scabbed over. Treatment is with paracetamol mixture and calamine lotion. Adults are particularly prone to a more severe form of the illness and may need anti-viral medication. Pregnant women are at an increased risk, especially if they have never had chickenpox themselves, and may need blood tests and an immunisation. Both these groups should consult their doctor. Back to TopCoughsMost coughs are the result of a viral infection and as such cannot be treated with antibiotics. The best treatment is often with steam inhalations. Removing the pillows at night will also prevent mucus (phlegm) from running down the back of the throat. Do not smoke in the presence of children. Even better, do not smoke at all. You should see the doctor if the cough continues for more than a week or if it is accompanied by pain in the chest, shortness of breath or if you are coughing up blood. Back to TopDiarrhoeaMost diarrhoeal illnesses are short lasting and do not need any specific treatment. Just drink plenty of clear fluids. There is no strict rule about starvation, but eating may cause intermittent cramping pains. Anti-diarrhoea tablets should never be used for children - they make the illness worse. Sugar/salt replacement sachets (eg Dioralyte or Rehidrat) are specially made for use in diarrhoea and vomiting. They are available from the chemist. You should see the doctor if the diarrhoea does not begin to settle within 48 hours, if the pain is continuous rather than intermittent or if the motions are blood-stained. Severe diarrhoea in infants under 6 months, or if a child is Vomiting as well, are also reasons to consult your doctor. Back to TopEaracheEarache is a common symptom in children. It is frequently the result of an ordinary cold and often starts at night. If caused by catarrh it will usually settle within 48 hours. The treatment is paracetamol every four hours. In most children, antibiotics will not be necessary for earache. Persistent earache may require antibiotics and a visit to the doctor is justified if earache has not settled after 48 hours. Back to TopFracturesIf a child gets up at once after a fall and moves about normally, it is unlikely that a bone has been broken. If a limb is difficult to move, or unable to bear weight, it may be broken and it is sensible to go to the hospital Emergency Department. Back to TopGerman Measles (Rubella)This is still pretty rare thanks to immunisation with the vaccine. The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4 millimetres across and doesn't itch. There are usually no other symptoms apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears until the rash disappears in about four or five days. The only danger is to unborn babies and therefore it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact her doctor. IMMUNISATION CAN PREVENT THIS DISEASE. Back to TopHead LiceThese creatures are very common and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. The mainstay of treatment is wet combing using shampoo, usually also using a medicated head lotion which can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Other members of the family should be checked, especially looking in the hairs behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, but only the affected person needs to be treated. For further advice contact your Health Visitor. Back to TopHigh TemperaturesChildren, especially babies, can get a high temperature very quickly. You should bring down a temperature by:
InfluenzaIf you have long lasting chest, heart or kidney disease, Diabetes, or are on Steroids or are over the age of 65, then a 'flu vaccination (usually done in October) is recommended. The best remedy for 'flu' is to remain indoors, rest and drink plenty. Back to TopItchingItching can be relieved by calamine lotion or an antihistamine tablet, eg Piriton or Zirtek (available from Chemist). Back to TopMinor Cuts and GrazesWash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing. Back to TopMumpsSymptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one or other ear, often followed after a couple of days by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from two to three days before the swelling appears until eight or ten days after that date. If the pain Is severe you should consult your doctor. IMMUNISATION CAN PREVENT THIS DISEASE. Back to TopNose BleedsSit forward and squeeze the nose just below the bone on the soft part for at least fifteen minutes, repeat the procedure if necessary. Ring the doctor for advice if you are unable to control heavy bleeding. Back to TopSore ThroatsFive out of six sore throats are caused by viral infections which antibiotics cannot cure. The throat will settle on its own. The temperature and pain will be helped with paracetamol and/or gargling with soluble aspirin. CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN ASPIRIN Back to TopSprainsRemember R.I.C.E Rest: The affected joint should be rested. Gradually build up to normal activities. Ice: Apply cold compress (e.g. bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel). Compression: A firm crepe bandage or Tubigrip will give the sprained joint adequate rest. Elevation: Elevate the joint where possible. Back to TopStomach AcheMost attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle helps, as may Gaviscon or Milk of Magnesia or a teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda in a half glass of water. If the pain lasts longer than six hours, or increases in intensity, consult your doctor. Back to TopStuffy Runny NoseThe common cold often starts with a dry throat and the patient feels generally unwell and achey. After a day or two the nose starts running with clear liquid and after three or four days a yellow green discharge. There may be a slight temperature and the whole illness lasts seven to ten days. There is no magical cure for the common cold and antibiotics are of no help. Steam and Menthol inhalations may help relieve nasal congestion. The Chemist can give advice concerning relief of symptoms. Children and babies may be troubled by coughing when they lie down at night. This is caused by the discharge from the nose running down the back of the throat. The child or infant should be put on its side and the pillow removed. Back to TopSunburnCare should be taken to minimise exposure to the sun particularly between 10.00 am - 2.00 pm and by the use of appropriate clothing, especially hats. Prevention of sunburn in children is extremely important. Creams with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 are ideal. Back to TopVomitingFluid replacement is vital (see Diarrhoea above) but it is best not to drink anything for about the first hour after vomiting, and then sip small quantities of water, frequently. Eat nothing initially. As the stomach settles, take semisolid food, such as soups, before returning to a normal diet. WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR:
WormsThis is a very common problem in school children and is not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Treatment may be obtained from the Chemist without prescription. The whole household must be treated. Keeping hands clean and the nails scrubbed helps prevent recurrence. Back to Top |
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