Tag Archives: virus

Roseola..ola..ola..ola..eh..eh

Peeps, here are some info on the Roseola virus which i just copied from http://www.babycenter.com.my..the virus just infected my daughter a few days ago..dealing with sick baby is really challenging plus with zero experience and i’m not that high-patient-father type..hehehe..however thanx to my wife..can’t do it without u ♥..no wonder why sofea loves u more than me 😥

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Roseola is a common illness in babies aged between nine and 21 months. It is caused by a virus, human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6). It is passed on through saliva, so babies are susceptible to it from being kissed and from putting things in their mouths. It is often difficult to identify the source of the infection. Roseola is infectious before the rash is visible and it can take five to 15 days before it appears on your baby’s body.

What are the symptoms of roseola?
The first symptoms of roseola include:
● sudden fever of 38 to 42 degrees C
● runny nose
● cough
● mild diarrhoea

Your baby may also have a loss of appetite, listlessness or irritability. His fever may last for three to four days, before suddenly disappearing. Once the fever subsides, a pinkish-red, spotty rash appears. It will start on your baby’s chest and tummy, and may spread to his neck and other areas. It will fade within a few hours to two days.

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Should I call the doctor if my baby has roseola?
As a precaution, yes. Most doctors will want to know if a child under two has a high fever. Your doctor will ask about your baby’s symptoms and confirm that he has roseola. If your baby’s fever doesn’t go away, or if the rash starts to looks different, you may want to check back with your doctor.

How can I treat my baby’s roseola?
Roseola is a virus, so it will just need to run its course until your baby is better. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to ease his symptoms: Let your baby rest if he wants to, but he doesn’t need to stay in bed if he would rather be up and about. Give your baby lots of drinks to make sure he is well hydrated. Offer him regular breastfeeds, or formula milk and extra cooled boiled water. You can give your baby infant paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease his fever and any aches and pains, but only if he is three months or older. Check the dosage instructions on the packet or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how much to give your baby.

Are there any complications of roseola?
The high temperature associated with roseola can sometimes cause a febrile convulsion (fit), which can be alarming to watch but doesn’t usually cause any harm. Although it’s rare, the fever stage of the disease can lead to meningitis or, in even rarer cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). If you are worried that your baby has developed other symptoms and his condition is getting worse, contact your doctor.

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Can I catch roseola from my baby?
Most people have antibodies to roseola by the time they’re four, whether or not they have had the virus. This means you won’t catch the virus from your baby. Very rarely the virus can reactivate in an adult with a weak immune system, such as someone receiving chemotherapy, and take a form similar to shingles.