Health hints for schools

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 33, 7 February 1984, Page 12

Health hints for schools

Children have now returned to school for another year and, whether they are five or 15, minor health problems can disrupt their school work. The Department of Health has prepared the following information on the most common childhood infections and how they should be treated. Scabies, Lice & Impetigo These are skin problems which frequently affect large numbers of school children and are very easily passed from child to child. Scabies is caused by a small insect which burrows into the skin. This causes a rash, especially around the trunk and hands, which is intensely itchy at night. Treatment is simple but the directions should be followed closely and other children in the family may need to be treated at the same time. Ask your chemist. All the child's clothes and bedclothes should be washed at the same time. Lice are small insects which live in the hair and lay their eggs (nits) on the shaft of the hair. They are white, about the size of a grain of sugar and stick firmly. A speciaf shampoo or cream from the chemist is used to kill the lice and the eggs and then the eggs need to be combed out. An itchy scalp is often a sign of lice.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is often on the face and hands but can be anywhere on the body. It appears first as a red spot that discharges pus and then forms a yellow crust. The pus is highly infectious and can spread infection to other parts of the body or to other children. It may be treated with antibiotic ointment or tablets from the doctor. Ear infections and hearing problems Ear infections may start with a child getting a cold and then complaining of a sore ear. This may be a warning of an infection in the middle ear. The symptoms are pain, which can be severe in the infected ear, fever may be present and the child may feel ill. If the ear is not treated at this stage, the ear drum may burst and there will be a discharge of pus. If you have any suspicions that your child has an ear infection, consult a doctor. Ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss. The Department of Health tests children's hearing at school. If a continuing problem is found, you may receive a note asking you to take the child to the doctor. Colds, flu and sore throats These infections are usually caused by a virus and cannot therefore be treated with antibiotics. However, a severe sore throat or one that persists could be due to a bacteria and may require antibiotics. The sore throat, cough and runny nose is often accompanied by fever, headache and general aches and pains. If your child has these symptoms, it is better to keep him/her inside, preferably in bed. Drinks such as lemon and honey are often of great value on these occasions. They provide fluid and relieve the sore throat and cough. You will need to consult the doctor if: • the child is wheezing or having difficulty in breathing • looks very ill • has a very sore throat • has an earache.

Are your children UF|^^ date with their immui.,3ations? Immunisations protect children against serious diseases which were once very common in childhood. Immunisation is free and available from your doctor. AGE 3 months diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. 5 months diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. I year measles 18 months diptheria, tetanus and polio 5 years polio II years (girls) rubella