Post by Gale Coleman on Jun 5, 2017 4:18:36 GMT -8
3.1. What illnesses and injuries are you most likely to see? Can you identify symptoms and recommended care?
One illness that is most likely seen in children, is Chickenpox which is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus, it is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens. Chickenpox appears as a very itchy rash that spreads from the body to the neck, face and limbs, lasting for at least 7 to 10 days, the rash progresses from red bumps to oozing blisters of an infected person, and it is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is completely dry and scabbed over. This cycle repeats itself in new areas of the body until finally, after about two weeks, all the sores have healed, but the disease is contagious until all the spots have dried up. Chickenpox is extremely contagious, and most cases require little or no treatment beyond treating the symptoms keep your child at home until all blisters have burst and crusted over. In reducing symptoms antiviral drugs are effective, and over the counter painkillers and a mild allergy medication can relieve pain, itching and swelling.
Some of the illnesses that are most likely seen in children, are coughs, colds.
Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses that can infect the nose and throat. The virus into the air by coughing and sneezing, an on average children have 3-8 coughs or colds per year. The common symptoms are a cough and a runny nose, a fever, a sore throat, headache and a change in appetite. Symptoms are worse in the first 2-3 days, then ease up over the next few days as the immune system clears the virus, and coughs may last for up to 2-4 weeks after other symptoms have gone. Coughs and colds usually do not need any treatment, but to ease symptoms Ibuprofen or Tylenol (which are both available in liquid forms for children) reduces aches and pains, headaches, and fever, also vapor rubs are can be used by applying to the child’s chest and back.
Some of the injuries you are most likely to see in children are minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Suffering minor cuts, scrapes, bump, or bruises are common with children, this damage occurs in the soft tissue under the skin, injuries are usually small, with only slight or no bleeding, with not a lot of excessive pain. In treating these minor cuts, scrapes, bump, or bruises of course the universal guidelines must be followed, like wearing protective gloves, to prevent the spread of any dangerous infections. Some simple first aid procedures for treating minor scrapes and cuts are to wash the area with mild soap and lukewarm water, apply bacitracin or some other type of antibacterial cream or spray to prevent infection, and cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad and tape or a simple Band-Aid.
Although many injuries are cuts and scrapes, there are also many more serious injuries like broken bones, head and eye injuries, and the most common types of serious injuries are falls from playground equipment, beds, tables, chairs and stairs. Treatment for these types of injuries is to first remain calm and reassure the child, do not move the injured child, and contact the person who handles emergencies for the center so this person can take charge of the emergency, assess the situation, and give any further first aid as needed. Wait for the emergency services to arrive, and if a parent cannot be reached, give any medical information on the child's Emergency Transportation Permission Form and notify parent's emergency contact person.