18th June 2010
Newsletter, Week 9 of Summer Term
German Measles – We have been advised that an infant with connections to Pre-School has a suspected case of German Measles. The family of the child have quarantined themselves to avoid any possible transmission however, where there is one case there are possibilities for more.
The following information comes from NHS DIRECT
Rubella (German measles) is an infectious disease that is caused by a virus. It can cause a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or over, and a distinctive red-pink rash. In most cases, rubella is a mild condition, but it can be serious in pregnant women because it can harm the unborn baby.
The rubella virus is passed on through droplets in the air from the coughs and sneezes of infected people, and it is about as infectious as flu. Anyone can get rubella, but young children are most commonly affected.
If you suspect that you, or your child, has rubella, you should phone your GP surgery, or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 straight away for advice.
Do not visit your GP surgery without calling them first. If you do, you will put any pregnant women who may be there at risk of catching the rubella infection.
Your GP may suspect that you have rubella from your symptoms – for example, if you have the distinctive red-pink rash. However, a similar rash may be caused by another viral infection. A blood test is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.
There is no specific treatment for the rubella infection. The condition is usually mild and will improve without any treatment. Symptoms will usually disappear within 7-10 days.
Phone your GP surgery, or call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) for advice if you think that you, or your child, has rubella.
Do not visit your GP surgery unless you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional, such as your GP. If any unusual symptoms develop, such as a dark red rash, you should also call your GP, or NHS Direct, for advice.
Self-help treatment
If you have rubella, you should:
* stay of work for five days from the start of the rash,
* keep your child off school for five days from the start of their rash (if they have rubella), and
* avoid any contact with pregnant women for at least a week after the start of the rash.
The rash itself does not need any treatment and it will usually disappear within a week. The other symptoms can be treated using the advice below.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen
Paracetemol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce the fever, and treat any aches or pains that you have. Liquid infant paracetamol can be used for young children. Aspirin should not be given to children who are under 16 years of age.
Controlling a temperature
A normal temperature is between 36-36.8C (96.8-98.24F). If your child has a high temperature, try to reduce it by keeping them cool. A cool (but not cold) compress, such as a damp flannel, can be used.
Drink plenty of fluids
You need to drink around 1.2 litres (6-8 glasses) of fluid a day. If you child has a fever, make sure that they drink plenty of fluid because they may be at risk of dehydration (when the body is low in water). If you, or your child, have a cough, a lack of fluid will make it worse.
Cough medicines
Cough medicines will be of little help if you or your child has a cough. Instead, putting a bowl of water in the room will increase the humidity and can help to relieve a cough. Alternatively, if the radiators are on, putting a wet towel on the radiator will release more water into the air.
Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids. Giving them warm liquids to drink may help to relax their airway, loosen mucus, and soothe a cough. However, you should avoid giving your child overly sweet drinks, and honey should not be given to babies under 12 months.
Antibiotics are of no use for treating the rubella virus, but they may be prescribed for any secondary bacterial infections that develop. In severe cases, involving more serious complications, hospital treatment may be required.
If you have the rubella virus, your body will make antibodies to fight the infection and get rid of it. Once you have had rubella, you are usually immune to the virus for life, and it is therefore very rare to be affected by the condition more than once
Please support Henry. Henry Brydon older brother of Arthur has recently been the victim of a hit and run driver which has left him in a platset cast from hip to toe. He has been off school since April and there is a possibility of long term bone damage sustained through the accident. Full details of this horrific event are in todays Dorset Evening Echo. His Mum Sophie has kept him busy and persuaded him to enter a story writing competition. Henrys story has been shortlisted for a prize but he needs votes to win. Can you please lift Henrys spirits by voting for his story. In his own words ‘It would be so cool if I won !’
Visit http://www.silentnight.co.uk/bookatbedtime/vote and vote for ‘BLAST OFF’
Auction of Promises – Tomorrow night, Doors and bar open at 7pm, auction starts at 7.30.
If you can’t make it and want to leave a last minute bid email Sam – samanthamercer916@btinternet.com or Catriona Catrionafountain@hotmail.co.uk
Please state the description of the item you want to bid on: last minute adjustments may alter some of the lot numbers.
Activities this week include : Rhyming, doll play, What Ever Next Story, Woodland hunts, sorting and comparing objects as well as number recognition.