Question:
My parents are away on a trip so I am taking care of my sister and
myself, even though she's just 2 and a half years younger than me.
Yesterday she wasn't acting like her self at all and she was getting
tired really easy. When she got up this morning she started
complaining that she felt nauseous, was kind of pale, felt generally
and that she had a fever. Which she did it was around 100 about a hour
ago. She's been resting most of the day, but her stomach is still
really bothering her, and she's only gagged a couple of time, almost
like dry heaving. What should I do if she starts throwing up? Should I
stay with her or not? I've seen people put clothes on other's
foreheads and back of the necks when they are vomiting, does that
really help anything? Should I make her sleep in the bathroom or put a
bucket by her head? I've heard that water makes vomiting and nausea
worse is that true? and if it is then what should I give her to keep
her from getting dehydrated? How often should I take her temperature?
I would greatly appricate any tips that you all have for me so I can
help my sister feel better. Thanks.


Answer:
How old are you and your sister? Who is taking care of the both of
you? How long will your parents be gone? No, don't make her sleep
in the bathroom. If your sister is running a fever, get a ziplock or
sandwich baggie, fill it with ice, seal it then wrap a towel around it
and let her hold that on her head. Get her a nice pillow for her head
and cover her up with a blanket. Give her some ice water, or anything
else that she will drink but not milk. Make her some toast or give her
some crackers or a banana and let her eat what she wants of it. Keep
track of her temperature and if it gets to 101, get help from an adult
to give her some Tylenol or Motrin as directed. Let her rest the whole
time. If she throws up, stop giving her anything to drink or eat for
few hours until her upset stomach passes. After she's feeling a little
better, let her sip on a cold drink again. Let her rest or sleep as
much as she wants. If she gets worse in any way, call someone you
trust to help you.


Answer:
I'm 18 and she's 16. I am watching her. Our parents will be back in a
week and a half. Thanks for your advice by the way smithn, but what
really bits is that I am starting to not feel all that great myself
kind of weak and generally not right.


Answer:
I feel better knowing that you and your sister are old enough to take
care of one another! There ARE parents out there who leave much
younger kids at home even though it's illegal in some cases. It
sounds like you two are coming down with a type of flu. Just rest a
lot, don't do any more than you have to and keep an eye on one
another. If you two don't feel well enough to eat, then at least drink
what you can, as you can - that will help your body make up for the
fluids it loses due to the fever. You two can take up to 2 Tylenol
every four hours along a Motrin/Iburofen every 6 hours if you need to.
(as long as either of you aren't allergic to them). Don't take
anything more often than that. Rest to regather your strength. Bodies
heal (and grow) while you are asleep. I hope you two feel better real
soon!


Answer:
Hey Eliz-Beth, how are you doing?

A cold towel is placed around neck, groin, and armpits in Emergency First Aide for anticipation of signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, extreme weakness, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness), and heat stroke (confusion, disorientation, seizures, inability to sweat, unconsciousness). In addition, watch out for signs of dehydration (dizziness, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, nausea, loss of thirst).

When vomiting, be sure to place the patient on their side when laying down to prevent choking of internal substances and death. A trash can or container can then be placed near the patients bedside and easy access when vomiting can't easily be predicted or restained.

To treat and prevent dehydration, water alone is not suitable for restoring electrolyte balances lost during vomiting. An oral electrolyte solution (e.g. Pedialite®) is used in children for rehydration is also useful in teens and adults.

The temperture should be checked hourly when closely monitored. Once progression in symptoms occurs and fever has reduced, temperture can be randomly checked to ensure stability.

Although it is quite normal to administer self care at home, always seek medical help by calling 911. Not alway do they have to transport an ill patient to the hospital, but they can also access a patient and provide valuable professional health advice on wether or not a patient needs to be admitted for futher medical evaluation.

Best wishes,
The Prison Hospital

Prisoner: Look here, doctor! You've already removed my spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and one of my kidneys. I only came to see if you could get me out of this place!

Doctor: I am, bit by bit.