Infectious Childhood Conditions Part 2

Question 1

What causes Bacterial meningitis? Is it life-threatening?

Answer 1

• Neisseria Meningitides - Meningococcal
• Streptococcus Pneumoniae - Pneumococcal

Yes it is life-threatening

Question 2

What causes viral meningitis? is it life-threatening?

Answer 2

Enterviruses
Herpes Simplex Virus

less serious disease with spontaneous recovery

Question 3

When is the peak time for pts to contract meningitis?

Answer 3

6-12 months

Question 4

What are the non-specific symptoms caused by meningitis?

Answer 4

• Flu-like symptoms that may rapidly worsen
• N/V
• Lethargy
• Muscle ache

Question 5

What are the more specific symptoms of meningitis?

Answer 5

1. Severe headache
2. Stiff neck
3. Altered mental state - confusion, drowsiness
4. Rash that appears as small widespread bruises that do not blanch with pressure
5. Photophobia
6. Seizures
7. Unconsciousness

Question 6

What treatment is necessary for meninigits?

Answer 6

immediate hospital admission is required

Question 7

How is viral meningitis treated?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are measles?

Answer 8

caused by the RNA virus spread by droplet inhalation

Question 9

What is the incubation period of measles?

Answer 9

7-14 days

Question 10

What are the symptoms of the pre-eruptive and catarrhal stage (prodromal phase) of measles?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What are the symptoms of the eruptive or exanthematous stage (measles rash phase)?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Treatment for measles?

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

What other conditions can arise if pts have measles?

Answer 13

otitis media and pneumonia and encephalitis

Question 14

Are pts infectious when they have measles?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What age is measles common?

Answer 15

Ages 1-4 but anyone can get it if they have not been vaccinated

Question 16

What causes mumps? How is it transmitted?

Answer 16

caused by the paramyxovirus and is transmitted by airborne droplets from the nose and throat

Question 17

How long does the incubation period last for for mumps?

Answer 17

14-21 days

Question 18

What symptoms would a patient have if they have mumps?

Answer 18

Fever
Headache
Malaise
Commonly inflammation of one or both parotid glands (swelling on both sides of face) causing pain when the mouth is opened

Question 19

What age do mumps occur?

Answer 19

children at 12 years old

Question 20

What tx is required for mumps?

Answer 20

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief

Question 21

Any counselling points for pts with mumps?

Answer 21

keep hydrated (avoid citrus juices as this may worsen pain) 
Stay away from school for about 5 days after the swelling appears

Question 22

What is rubella? How is it spread?

Answer 22

German measles
caused by RNA virus

airborne droplets

Question 23

What is the incubation period of rubella?

Is it contagious?

Answer 23

14-21 days

Less contagious than measles, people suffer from mild symptoms without having the infection diagnosed.

Question 24

What symptoms are present in the prodromal phase of rubella?

Answer 24

Catarrhal symptoms; fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy - swollen lymph glands, usually at the back of the neck up to 5 days

Question 25

What occurs in the rash phase when german measles are contracted?

Answer 25

• 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

Question 26

Tx for rubella?

Answer 26

paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief

Question 27

Any counselling points for pts that have rubella?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

What is the whooping cough?

Answer 28

Pertussis - bacterial infection

Question 29

What is the incubation period of the whooping cough ?

Answer 29

7 days (5-21 days)

Question 30

What is the catarrhal phase of the whooping cough?

Answer 30

starts with dry cough
similar signs to URTI such as catarrh
About 1-2 week

Question 31

What is the paroxysmal phase of the whooping cough?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

What is the convalescent phase?

Answer 32

lasts more than 2 months

gradual improvement in symptoms

Question 33

Tx or whooping cough?

Answer 33

paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief

Question 34

Any counselling points to address to pts with whooping cough?

Answer 34

keep hydrated

stay away from school for about 5 days after starting antibiotics or 21 days after the start of cough