At the end of this chapter, you will:
- understand the importance of annual influenza vaccination for all caregivers and family members (> 6 months)
- know the measures to take in the event of an allergic reaction
- understand the need to keep your child’s vaccinations up to date and the location of their immunization record
What do I need to know about the medications my child will be taking at home?
Your child may need to take medications regularly when they go home from the hospital. It is important that your child takes the medication at the prescribed times.
Before your child goes home, it is important that you know:
- why your child is taking the medication
- the dose of your child's medication
- how many times a day the medication needs to be given
- how it needs to be given (for example, by mouth, through a feeding tube or into the tracheostomy)
- if the medication needs to be given on an empty stomach or with food
- how and where the medication should be stored (some medications need to be stored in the fridge)
- possible medication side effects
- when to skip or repeat a medication dose
- if the medication is available at your local pharmacy and, if not, which pharmacies sell it
- which medications your child is allergic to and what to do if you suspect there is an allergic reaction
Your health-care team and pharmacist will review this information with you before you and your child leave the hospital. If you have any questions related to the medication your child is taking, speak to your health-care provider or pharmacist.
Always carry an up-to-date list of all the medications your child is using as well as the doses they are taking. You could ask your child’s pharmacy to give you a list of your child’s medications and doses or you could take photos of your child’s medications and save them for reference.
How are medications delivered directly to the lungs?
Some medications may need to be delivered directly to the lungs in order to be effective. There are two ways in which this is done:
- through a meter dose inhaler/puffer
- through a nebulizer, which produces a mist that is inhaled into the lungs
What are the signs that my child is having an allergic reaction to a medication? What should I do?
If your child is having an allergic reaction to a medication, they may experience:
- tingling or itching in the mouth
- hives
- swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
- dizziness or fainting
- rash
If you suspect that your child is having an allergic reaction, stop giving your child the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
Is it safe for my child to receive routine childhood vaccinations?
Yes. Vaccinations are an important way to prevent your child from getting certain infections. Ask your child’s health-care provider which vaccinations are recommended based on your child's age.
Some children with certain medical conditions may not be able to receive vaccinations. Ask your child's health-care team if vaccinations are safe for your child.
Should my child and the members of our family receive the influenza (flu) vaccine?
Yes. The influenza (flu) vaccine is the best prevention against getting the flu. The vaccination can be given to most children who are more than six months old. Speak to your child's health-care team to see if it is right for your child.
The flu spreads very easily from one infected person to another through coughing and sneezing. To minimize the risk of flu:
- wash your hands carefully and often
- keep the surfaces in your home clean
- cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve
- avoid contact with anyone who is currently sick