ASK THE DOC Is slapped cheek an infectious condition?
There is an outbreak of slapped cheek at my child’s nursery, is this infectious?
Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that’s most common in children, although it can affect people of any age.
It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. Although the rash can look alarming, slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up by itself in one to three weeks.
Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild and should clear up without specific treatment. I
If you or your child is feeling unwell, you can try resting and drinking plenty of fluid, for a fever take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
To reduce itchiness, you can take antihistamines or use an emollient (moisturising lotion) – some antihistamines are not suitable for young children, so check with your pharmacist.
If you’re pregnant, have a blood disorder or a weakened immune system and have been exposed to the virus, you should get advice from your GP. I find it very sore while peeing. What is causing this?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection.
It’s a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for serious concern.
Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days.
However, some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.
Most cases are thought to occur when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder through the urethra.
It’s not always clear how this happens, but it can be caused by: having sex, wiping your bottom after going to the toilet – particularly if you wipe from back to front – inserting a tampon or urinary catheter, using a diaphragm for contraception.
If you’ve had cystitis before and don’t feel you need to see your GP, you may want to treat your symptoms at home.
Until you’re feeling better, it may help to take paracetamol or ibuprofen, drink plenty of water, hold a hot water bottle on your tummy or between your thighs and avoid having sex while you have symptoms.
Some people find it helpful to try over-the-counter products that reduce the acidity of their urine.Speak to your pharmacist or have a look at www. nhsinform.scot Can I get HIV from kissing?
HIV is passed on from person to person if infected body fluids get into your bloodstream. The five main ways this can happen are: unprotected sex, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, injecting drugs with a needle that has infected blood in it, infected blood donations or organ transplants, a healthcare worker who gets the blood of an infected patient inside their body.
There is such a small amount of HIV in the saliva of an infected person that HIV can’t be passed on from kissing. There is only a risk if you both have large open sores or bleeding gums and blood is exchanged. See: www.avert.org