Children's Services

Commonly Heard Terms

IMMUNIZATIONS

Vaccinations to eliminate or reduce the risk of getting a specific disease.

INCUBATOR (ISOLETTE)

A transparent box-like enclosure that allows control of the baby's temperature. It allows caregivers to observe the baby's condition.

INFLUENZA

Influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory viral infection. It is spread through germs in the air and by contact with droplets from the respiratory tract/system. Sneezing, runny nose, headache, coughing, sore throat, aching, and tiredness are the common grouping of complaints, which generally last from three to five days. Ensure your child gets bedrest and drinks lots of liquids. Antibiotics are not effective treatment. Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen may be given to relieve symptoms. It is especially important to talk to your doctor if your child has chest pain, earache, or high fever.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Most of the time insect bites are irritating, but not a great health concern. To treat most insect bites, clean the area with soap and water or a disinfectant. If the stinger is still in the skin, do not pull the stinger out, this may squeeze the venom into the child. Remove the stinger with a scraping motion of your fingernail or a credit card. Apply a cold pack or cloth. Do not press the sting.

If your child has a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately or go to the emergency department. Hives, rapidly increasing shortness of breath, pallor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or fainting are all signs of an allergy attack.

INTRAVENOUS

An intravenous (I.V.) is used to provide fluids to the baby. It is also used for giving medications. Medications are injected into a port in the clear plastic tubing avoiding the need for a needle puncture in the baby's upper legs. The I.V. solution is delivered through an infusion pump which delivers the fluid at a controlled rate.