Chicken Pox
Chicken Pox infection generally occurs between 10-21 days after your child has been exposed to someone with the virus. Children with the chicken pox virus (varicella) are infectious one to two days before the rash appears, which makes it harder to prevent the spread of the virus. Complications are rare, but can be serious. You […]
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses a serious risk to babies. A high pitched ‘whooping sound’ can be heard during coughing spells, which can be long and painful. Babies under six months of age who contract whooping cough face a high risk of life-threatening complications. It is extremely important that your […]
Measles
Measles causes a distinctive red and blotchy rash that starts on the head and then progresses to the rest of the body. A viral infection that usually resolves on it’s own after around 5-7 days, it is best treated with plenty of rest, fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen. While complications are uncommon, they can be […]
Slapped cheek
Children with slapped cheek, also known as fifth disease, usually display minimal or no symptoms of the virus. You might not even realise your child is sick. If you’re pregnant and your child has slapped cheek, you’ll need to get a blood test to determine if you’ve had the virus in the past. If you’ve […]
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum Molluscum is a common viral skin infection that causes small raised spots to appear on the skin. They at first appear as white pimples before becoming round and pearl-coloured, with a white mark or dimple in their centre. The molluscum spots can stay on the body from anywhere between a few weeks and […]
Croup
Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling of the larynx and trachea. The swelling makes it harder for children to breathe. Croup often begins suddenly, with the symptoms worsening at night. Croup may start like a regular virus, with a runny nose, fever, and cough, but the cough will soon change to a harsh, […]
Hand Foot & Mouth Disease
Hand foot and mouth disease Many parents are left baffled by a hand, foot and mouth diagnosis.Isn’t that the domain of sheep and cows? Rest assured, hand, foot and mouth virus IS NOT related to the foot and mouth disease found in animals. Hand, foot and mouth is a mild illness, usually caused by […]
febrile convulsions
Febrile convulsions A sudden change in your child’s body temperature-usually prompted by a fever-can cause them to have a fit or seizure. These are called febrile convulsions. They are not harmful or dangerous to your child, but they can be very frightening for parents to witness. One in 30 children with a high fever (39+) […]
Rashes
Rashes Rashes cause a lot of stress and panic for parents, but they are a very common side effect of viral infections, and not usually cause for concern. Thankfully, the rashes that DO signal a more serious infection also tend to have their own unique characteristics that help to distinguish them from more common, […]
Serena, breastfeeding and her coach.
Serena Williams is without doubt one of the most formidable women of our times, a twenty-three time Grand Slam winner whose list of records and achievements can justifiably be labelled astonishing. If you’re a parent of daughters looking for strong female role models to provide an antidote to the slimming shakes and trout pouts spruiked […]