MY CHILD HAS MALARIA, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

on

 


Most of the signs/symptoms of malaria are also common to the flu. So, if your child comes down with fever and chills, you need to contact your physician right away.

When malaria is diagnosed, your child will need;

  • Plenty of rest and fluids
  • Healthy food and fruits
  • Frequent washing to bring the fever down
  • Infant paracetamol to reduce the fever and keep the child comfortable
  • Always check with your pharmacist or doctor on the dosage instructions

In addition, your child would be given antimalarial drugs. Make sure to give your child all the treatment in the right doses and of course, your child will start feeling much better within a couple of days but always make sure that your child finishes the course of treatment to prevent relapse.

If you live in or travelling to an area where malaria is common, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and your children from mosquito bites;

  • Cover the skin properly
  • Apply insect repellant to skin
  • Apply repellant to clothing
  • Sleep under a mosquito net
  • Remove empty containers where water can collect
  • Add a few drops of kerosene oil to open drains, small ponds and other places where water tends to collect
  • Dress your child in light-colored clothing as dark colors attract mosquitoes
  • As far as possible stay in air-conditioned or cool areas as mosquitoes do not thrive in cold temperatures
  • Get mosquito meshes Installed on your doors and windows
  • Burning neem leaves and coconut shells and husks outside may help repel mosquitoes and regular fumigation, especially around your home and neighborhood also stops mosquitoes from breeding
  • Keeping your child away from hedges and bushes as mosquitoes are often found in these areas. Always protect your child with a mosquito repellant appropriate for their age.

A Recent Development…

The WHO has recommended a malaria vaccine for use in children who live in countries with a high number of malaria cases.

The RTS, S or Mosquirix is a vaccine developed by the British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline which acts against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa.

 

Dr. Favvy

 

Comments

Post a Comment