Beware Measles is on the way!


n early 2013, Swansea was the first city to have a large outbreak of measles. With the current low levels of vaccination in the UK, the current outbreak will almost certainly spread elsewhere in the country.


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Babies under one year of age are most at risk, but it can affect anyone of any age who has not been vaccinated against the disease or who has not had measles previously. Once infected, lifelong immunity develops.


Measles is a highly contagious viral airborne infection. It is spread by coughing or sneezing, close personal contact, or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions. It has an incubation period of about 10 days, with a further 2-4


Which car seat?


Understanding which car seat is right for your baby or toddler can be a daunting task! Our guidance below should help you choose the right seat for your baby & older siblings too.


• By law children have to use an appropriate seat up until they are 12 or they are 1metre 35cm in height. The seat should be appropriate to the child’s height and weight as age is not an accurate guide. Not all child seats fit all cars so always go to a retailer where you can ‘Try Before You Buy’.


• Avoid second hand seats, as they could have already been involved in an accident.


Type Rearward - facing Baby seats


Forward - facing Child seats Booster seats and cushions Booster seats and cushions


Small Steps 14


Stage 1


2 3 4


• Never fit a rear-facing baby seat with an active airbag. In a crash at 30mph an unrestrained child would be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times its own weight.


• Follow the instructions for your child car seat carefully and keep the instructions safe - you may not be the only person who has to fit the seat. Check the seat is tightly fitted before every journey.


Group


Group 0 and Group 0+


Group 1 Group 2 Group 3


Weight (approx age)


Up to 10kg (birth to 6-9 mths) Up to 13kg (birth to 12-15 mths)


9 – 18kg (9 mths - 4 yrs) 15 – 25kg (4 - 6 yrs) 22 – 36kg (6 - 12 yrs)


For information & advice visit www.childcarseats.org.uk


days of early symptoms (including fever, cough, and conjunctivitis) before the characteristic skin rash develops.


The child usually feels most ill on the first or second day of the rash. In addition to the rash, symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.


Complications are quite common even in healthy children, and around 20% of reported measles cases experience one or more complication. These can include ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis and serious eye disorders.


Children who have not been fully immunised face a life-long risk of catching measles.


For more information on vaccination, contact your local GP or visit www.nhs.uk and search on “Measles Vaccine”.


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