Pneumococcal meningitis
Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of illnesses that affect various parts of the body and are caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia, commonly known as the pneumococcus. Illnesses range from mild infections to pneumonia and life-threatening infections of the bloodstream and central nervous system, such as meningitis.
Infection with the pneumococcus bacterium can cause:
- Inflammation of the middle ear and ear drum
- Inflammation of one or more sinuses
- Pneumonia
- Bacteraemia (bacteria in the bloodstream)
- Meningitis
The symptoms for pneumococcal disease are not the same as meningococcal disease and a skin rash is NOT common.
Sign and symptoms
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Ear pain, especially in children under 3 years old after they have had a cold
- Fever
- Headache
- Lack of appetite
- Low energy
- Nausea
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced hearing
- Vomiting
Treatment can include medications to relieve pain, fluids to treat and avoid dehydration and rest.
Two vaccines are available for use in the most common strains.
- The Meningitis Centre "www.meningitis.com.au "
Poisoning
Poisons are substances that if inhaled, ingested, absorbed or injected, harm the structures or functions of the body. Some types of poisons may act immediately on the body, others may act more slowly.
Some poisons, such as cyanide, are so toxic they only require a tiny amount to be harmful, while others, such as garden sprays, are cumulative and require exposure over a long period to achieve the same level of toxicity. Some may be carcinogenic and cause fatal cancers some years after exposure.
How to prevent poisoning
- Store medicines, chemicals and household products safely out of reach and out of sight of children, up high (at least 1.5m) in a locked or child resistant cupboard.
- DO NOT take other people's medicines.
- Separate medicines from household products.
- Use medicines and chemicals safely. Be sure that all products are properly labelled and in their original containers.
- Clean out your medicine cupboard periodically. Take out-of-date medicines to
- a pharmacy for disposal.
- Children tend to mimic adults, so avoid taking medicines in their presence.
- Refer to medicines by their correct names. They are not sweets or lollies.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when spraying or painting. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, with circulating air
- Take off any contaminated clothing immediately
Keep everything in original containers, never in cups or soft drink bottles, since the original containers will be labelled with the appropriate warnings. Using a different container may give a child the mistaken impression that the product is both safe and drinkable.
If poisoning occurs, obtain a history; look for empty bottles, containers and sometimes suicide notes. If possible, ascertain what poison or medicine has been taken, including how much and when.
The wide varieties of poisonous substances present with a similarly wide variety of signs and symptoms. The list below is not exhaustive and casualties may present with all or some of these signs and symptoms.
Sign and symptoms
May include the following:
- Pale, cool, clammy skin
- Rapid, weak (sometimes erratic) pulse
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Bluish skin colour
- Headache
- Burns around the mouth
- Burning pain in the mouth or throat
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Smell of fumes or odours
- Stomach pains or cramps
- Drowsiness, which may lead to unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulties
Care and treatment
- If the casualty has collapsed call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Ring the Poisons Information Centre for advice on 13 11 26
- Rescue breaths and chest compressions if required
- Monitor the casualty at all times
Do not use Syrup of Ipecac (ipecacuanha syrup) in the first aid treatment for poisoning unless so advised by the Poisons Information Centre
The first aid advice on the product labels is often out-dated. Call the Poisons Information Centre. Whatever the substance, remember prevention is better than cure!
Specific treatment
Swallowed poison
- Pick up the container and take it to the telephone if safe to do so
Do not try to make the patient vomit
Poison on the skin
- Remove contaminated clothing, taking care to avoid contact with the chemical
- Flood the skin with cool running water for 15-20 minutes - wash gently with soap and water and rinse well
Poison in the eye
- Holding the eyelids open, flood the eye with water from a cup, jug or slowly running tap water for 10-20 minutes
Inhaled poison
- Get the person to fresh air as quickly as possible if safe to do so
- If safe, open doors and windows
Do not place yourself at risk