Don’t ignore these symptoms in your sick child no matter how happy he looks

Child Protection Week takes place from 29 May to 5 June under the theme “let’s protect children to move South Africa forward”. The Clinix Health Group says that being able to recognise when a child is severely ill is paramount to protecting the child’s right to professional medical treatment and parents or caregivers have a duty to see that that care is administered. 

So which scenarios should raise alarm bells?
Parents need to phone an ambulance or get to a hospital immediately if the child:

• Has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Has had a change in mental status, such as suddenly becoming unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, disoriented, or confused
• Has a debilitating headache or a headache combined with fever, vomiting, confusion, rash or stiff neck
• Has a cut in the skin that is bleeding and won't stop
• Has a rapid heartbeat that doesn't slow down
• Has had more than minor head trauma
• Accidentally ingests a poisonous substance or too much medication
• Has had a persistent high fever for four or more days in a row

This does by no means exhaust the list but will give parents a good idea of what to be concerned about.

Remember always keep emergency numbers on hand as well.