Health and safety ( Common diseases in children)

Class: Basic 5

Subject: Basic Science

Topic: Health and safety ( Common diseases in children)

In our previous lesson, we learnt the causes of kwashiorkor, diarrhea and dysentery, their symptoms, prevention and cure.

Today, we shall discuss other common diseases such as whooping cough, measles, chicken pox and meningitis

A.) Whooping cough is caused by a certain germ ( virus) which attacks the lungs.

*Symptoms* :
I. The child has a cold coupled with fever.
II. He develops a runny nose and eyes.
III. He coughs up sticky mucus.
IV. The cough has a whooping noise and usually end up with vomiting.

*Prevention and cure:*
To prevent contacting whooping cough, the following must be obeyed.
a.) Avoid sleeping in overcrowded rooms.
b.) The bedroom should be kept airy.
c.) Children should be vaccinated

To cure it, the child must be taken to the hospital immediately for medical treatment.

B.) Measles is usually caused by a severe virus infection. It is contagious.

*Symptoms*
Measles begin with cold, fever and cough.
The child has a runny nose.
He has sore red eyes.
After three days.

*Prevention:*
*Vaccination against the virus.
*Isolating infected patient.

*Cure:*
The child should stay in bed.
He should drink plenty of water.
He should be given nutritious food.
Calamine lotion should be applied
In the case of a severe attack, he should be taken to the hospital for treatment.

Exercise:
1. List five common childhood diseases

2. What are the causes of the following diseases:
a) Measles
b) Whooping cough

3. Mention at least two symptoms of the diseases stated above.