In the wake of a local increase in cases of gastro, I feel the need to share some tips on how people can keep themselves safe.
Everybody is concerned about the water and food poisoning. There were complaints about water problems in Robinvale, but I don’t work in that sector and nothing has come from City stating we are experiencing water problems.
My recommended solution for those experiencing problems in respect of the colour or smell of water is boil the water before drinking it. Also, they must please report it to the health inspector or relevant parties.
It is not clear if there is a problem with the water, but there have been reports of residents with a “bubbly sensation or cramps in their stomach” and more stools than normal with a bad smell.
Please follow these tips:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water (do not just use hand sanitiser)
2. Wash your toilet seat and bowl with normal jik/albex water. Please assist your children when using the toilet so they do not touch surfaces unnecessarily.
Secondly, boil 1 litre of water and add eight teaspoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and maybe add a little bit of Oros for flavour.
Cool it down, and adults can sip on the water every 15 minutes.
For children, let the water stand for one hour and then give the child a sip every 15 minutes.
When someone has gastro and is vomiting they could lose electrolytes. In the case of sick babies one can pour water into their bottle, and there’s no problem with their drinking it, for everything will come out. Look out for signs of dehydration in children, especially sunken eyes. Another symptom is when pinching the skin it goes back more slowly than usual. With babies there will be an indentation on the top of the baby’s head (the baby’s soft spot on their head).
I suggest keeping count of the number of nappies used before going to the hospital, clinic or doctor’s surgery.
In cases of fever, give the baby a tepid sponge with lukewarm water, give them Panado and Ponstel if you have them, and wash them for half an hour after the tepid sponge. Please dress the child afterwards only in a vest and a nappy.
If the fever spikes again after half an hour, tepid sponge the baby again before taking them to the doctor.
As for the temperature, be aware that the temperature in a car is 2-5 degrees higher than outside it. So it’s very important to do the tepid sponge and check the temperature. This will prevent the child from experiencing fever convulsions, which can even lead to death.
Importantly, during convulsions oxygen is not going to the brain, and they could lead to brain damage.
¦For assistance contact Sr Pharo’s Primary Health Care on 081 328 3440 and 021 100 3602, Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00. Saturdays from: 09:00-14:00.
