Infectious Childhood Conditions Part 2 Flashcards
What causes Bacterial meningitis? Is it life-threatening?
- Neisseria Meningitides - Meningococcal
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae - Pneumococcal
Yes it is life-threatening
What causes viral meningitis? is it life-threatening?
Enterviruses
Herpes Simplex Virus
less serious disease with spontaneous recovery
When is the peak time for pts to contract meningitis?
6-12 months
What are the non-specific symptoms caused by meningitis?
- Flu-like symptoms that may rapidly worsen
- N/V
- Lethargy
- Muscle ache
What are the more specific symptoms of meningitis?
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Altered mental state - confusion, drowsiness
- Rash that appears as small widespread bruises that do not blanch with pressure
- Photophobia
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
What treatment is necessary for meninigits?
immediate hospital admission is required
How is viral meningitis treated?
plenty of rest, painkillers for the headache, anti-emetics (anti-sickness) meds for the vomiting
if severe pts would need to treated with IV fluids antibiotics/anti-virals
What are measles?
caused by the RNA virus spread by droplet inhalation
What is the incubation period of measles?
7-14 days
What are the symptoms of the pre-eruptive and catarrhal stage (prodromal phase) of measles?
Runny nose, cough, fever, conjunctivitis, small white spots (Koplik spots) surround by inner red ring on the inner cheek and gums for 3-4 days
What are the symptoms of the eruptive or exanthematous stage (measles rash phase)?
Small erythematous and maculopapular patches that are confluent, blotchy and red, which will blanch if pressed, appears around the ears before spreading to the face and trunk and limbs
2-4 days after initial symptoms lasting up to 7 days
Treatment for measles?
- Refer to GP
paracetamol - relieve fever, aches and pains - Keep hydrated
- Clean eyes with damp cotton swabs to help with crusting around eyes
- Stay away from school for about 4 days after the rash appears
What other conditions can arise if pts have measles?
otitis media and pneumonia and encephalitis
Are pts infectious when they have measles?
only when the first symptoms develop until four days after the rash first appears
avoid school/work for at least four days from when the rash first appeared to limit the spread of infection
What age is measles common?
Ages 1-4 but anyone can get it if they have not been vaccinated
What causes mumps? How is it transmitted?
caused by the paramyxovirus and is transmitted by airborne droplets from the nose and throat
How long does the incubation period last for for mumps?
14-21 days
What symptoms would a patient have if they have mumps?
Fever
Headache
Malaise
Commonly inflammation of one or both parotid glands (swelling on both sides of face) causing pain when the mouth is opened
What age do mumps occur?
children at 12 years old
What tx is required for mumps?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief
Any counselling points for pts with mumps?
keep hydrated (avoid citrus juices as this may worsen pain) Stay away from school for about 5 days after the swelling appears
What is rubella? How is it spread?
German measles
caused by RNA virus
airborne droplets
What is the incubation period of rubella?
Is it contagious?
14-21 days
Less contagious than measles, people suffer from mild symptoms without having the infection diagnosed.
What symptoms are present in the prodromal phase of rubella?
Catarrhal symptoms; fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy - swollen lymph glands, usually at the back of the neck up to 5 days
What occurs in the rash phase when german measles are contracted?
- After 7 days a macular rash appears on the face that spreads to trunk and limbs
- Very fine and red and blanch with pressure
spots do not become confluent like in measles - Rubella rash lasts 3-5 days
- Swollen glands may persist
- in adults - painful joints
Tx for rubella?
paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief
Any counselling points for pts that have rubella?
greater risk of complications during early pregnancy due to rubellas effects on the developing foetus, keep hydrated, stay away from school for about 6 days after initial development of the rash
What is the whooping cough?
Pertussis - bacterial infection
What is the incubation period of the whooping cough ?
7 days (5-21 days)
What is the catarrhal phase of the whooping cough?
starts with dry cough
similar signs to URTI such as catarrh
About 1-2 week
What is the paroxysmal phase of the whooping cough?
rapid and intense bouts of coughs to expel mucous from chest, with whooping heard when breathing in after coughing
Post-tussive vomiting and generalised symptoms
about 1 months
What is the convalescent phase?
lasts more than 2 months
gradual improvement in symptoms
Tx or whooping cough?
paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief
Any counselling points to address to pts with whooping cough?
keep hydrated
stay away from school for about 5 days after starting antibiotics or 21 days after the start of cough
