2.1 Identify the signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses
2.2 Describe the actions to take when children or young people are ill or injured
Safeguarding – 2.1 and 2.2 1 - I am meningitis what are my symptoms? (2.1)
There are a variety of types of meningitis, some more severe than others, some more common than others. This can be caught at any age, though young children and babies are most susceptible.
There are a range of symptoms for those very young, and a range for those from 5 years old to adult. Below are the symptoms for the 5 year + bracket.
Cold hands and feet, with a fever
Vomiting
Difficult to wake, drowsy
Irritable and confused
Severe muscle pain
Skin that is pale, blotchy and may have a distinctive rash
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Sensitive to light
Convulsions / seizures
Individuals may not have all of these symptoms and they don’t appear in any particular order. The general rule, is to do the ‘glass test’. Press / roll a glass over the rash, is it doesn’t disappear seek immediate medical help.
How can you treat me?(2.2)
There are 2 forms of meningitis, bacterial – this form can cause brain damage if left untreated.
Viral meningitis is the most common of the two. As the name suggests it is a virus, it is less serious than the bacterial form.
Treatment for viral meningitis will take a couple of weeks and will involve, lots of rest, painkillers – for the headache, anti-sickness medication – for the vomiting. If the symptoms don’t improve after two weeks, or the individual has a severe case, it may be necessary to admit to hospital.
Treatment for bacterial meningitis will involve being admitted to hospital and antibiotics being given intravenously. Usually for a few days but does depend upon the severity, they could be admitted for several months.
Is there any advice you would give from the school?
The school’s advice is to follow medical advice. Return to school when able. Should they need anything, just call. If feeling up to it, work can be send home, depending upon the length off that is recommended by the doctor.
2 - I am mumps what are my symptoms? (2.1)
The most distinct symptom is the swelling of the parotid glands – located just below the ears on either sides of the head. It may affect both or one gland. When these are swollen it will also cause difficulty / tenderness swallowing.
Other symptoms that may develop a few days before the swollen glands are:
Headache
Joint pain
Dry mouth
Mild abdominal pain
Feeling tired
Appetite loss
Temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
It is noted that in many cases there are no symptoms that are noticeable.
How can you treat me? (2.2)
At the moment there are no medications that can treat mumps. Therefore the treatment is concentrated on relieving the symptoms, until the body’s immune system starts to fight the infection. This will usually take 1 or 2 weeks to heal up.
The treatment therefore includes:
Plenty of bed rest, take painkillers – to elevate the pain (standard over the counter medication will be fine), drink plenty – helps with the irritation of the glands, apply a cold compress to the glands – to help with the pain, eat appropriate foods – soup or soft foods.
Is there any advice you would give from the school?
The school recommend following the advice from the doctor. Stay off school until well and able to return to school.
3 - I am hand foot and mouth what are my symptoms? (2.1)
The early signs of hand foot and mouth are:
High temperature around 38/39°C
Appetite loss
Cough
Pain in the abdomen
Sore throat
These early symptoms last between 12-48 hours before the following will develop:
Red spots on the inside of the mouth – especially around the tongue, gums and inside cheeks.
Ulcers will develop inside the mouth. – These usually present themselves after 1 or 2 days.
As well as the ulcers a rash will appear in the skin – usually on the fingers/palm of hands / sole of feet sometimes on
