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M
Meningitis
There are two types of meningitis. One is viral and one is bacterial. Viral is most common and less severe than bacterial. It affects the stomach and small intestine and is rarely fatal. Bacterial meningitis is more severe particularly in infants during the winter and spring months. There are three different bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis. They are:
- Haemophilus or HIB
- Meningococcal which primarily effects young children
- Pneumococcal which usually strikes infants and the elderly
Both types of meningitis are not highly contagious but they can both be spread through direct contact with nose and throat secretions. Viral meningitis can also be spread through the stool. Some symptoms of meningitis are:
- Headache
- Low grade fever
- Stiff neck
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Confusion
- A purplish red rash
Because this disease is transmitted by secretions, it is important to wash hands with anti bacterial soap if you know that you have come into contact with anyone who has either form of the disease.
For support, contact:
Meningitis Research Foundation, Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2AS
Call the 24-hour helpline on 0808 8003344 for advice, support and an information pack
www.meningitis.org
The National Meningitis Trust, Fern House Bath Road, Stroud
Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ
Tel: 01453 768000
Helpline UK: 0845 6000 800
Republic of Ireland: 1800 523 196
calls are charged at normal rates
Go to www.meningitis-trust.org.uk for advice.
Measles
Rubella and German measles are the two kinds of childhood measles. It is a highly contagious disease. It is carried by mucus which means that it can become airborne with sneezing and coughing. Your child may have measles if:
- Her eyes are red and sensitive
- She acquires a rash that looks like small red spots with white centers on the insides of her mouth
- She acquires a rash 3-5 days after on the neck, forehead and ears and then spreads to the rest of her body
- Has a fever
Because this disease is viral, there is no cure. However, there is a vaccination. If you seek medical attention and your doctor determines that your child does have measles, make sure that she is getting plenty of fluids. Treat the fever. Make sure that she is also getting plenty of rest. Measles lasts about 7 – 10 days so if it continues long after that, consult your physician. There are other illnesses that can follow measles such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Croup
- Ear infection
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
These are serious medical problems that warrant attention from a physician.
Morning sickness
One of the first signs of pregnancy is the slight feeling of nausea. This may develop into full blown nausea and just because it is called morning sickness doesn’t mean that it only occurs in the morning. Morning sickness is expected by almost ten out of ten women from day one of their pregnancies. Some women who don’t get morning sickness don’t even believe that they are really pregnant. Many women do have milder related symptoms, often a queasy or bloated feeling, early in pregnancy, but severe nausea plagues far fewer pregnancies than most women suppose. If you are pregnant and suffer from morning sickness you can try to:
- Eat small frequent meals
- Make sure to be eating enough protein
- Always carry saltines or small crackers when you go out
- Drink plenty of fluids
If your morning sickness results in frequent vomiting, you may need IV fluids to aid in dehydration. Always, consult your doctor if you are suffering from frequent vomiting to avoid this.
Muscle Cramping In Pregnancy
As early as the fifth month, some women experience abdominal discomfort. This may be similar to, but less intense than, menstrual cramps. These small contractions are a prelude to warm up contractions that are more frequent and more noticeable during the third trimester.
Toward the end of the middle trimester and throughout the last one, many women are awakened by knot like cramps in their calf muscles or feet. These cramps are sometimes blamed on an electrolyte imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. An additional explanation is the decreased circulation to the most active muscles in your legs. Pressure of the uterus on major blood vessels, as well as standing, sitting, or lying for a long time, can slow blood supply to these muscles, causing them to cramp up. You can lessen your leg cramps by improving the circulation to your leg muscles in these ways:
- wear support stockings during the day
- avoid standing or sitting for long periods
- exercise your calf muscles before going to bed
- have your partner massage your calf muscles before you go to bed
- elevate your legs on a pillow at night
- lie on your left side while sleeping
Leg cramps can be extremely uncomfortable and often awaken you with a painful startle. When the cramp occurs, you can massage the cramped muscle or have your mate rub it to promote circulation but getting up and moving around works best.
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