IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Mumps

Eating properly is the most usual problem for children with mumps. The glands are so swollen that they can’t swallow. They do need extra nutrition, however, so give them home-made soups made from steamed then liquidised vegetables.

They need to drink at least two litres of fluid a day- pineapple juice diluted half and half with water will give them healing enzymes. And cold compresses - tea towels soaked in cold water are enough - will soothe the swollen glands.

If there’s any deterioration in the child or young person’s condition, you need to get conventional medical help immediately. Mumps can be an extremely serious illness and cause meningitis in both sexes and permanent sterility in boys.

Important information on MMR
Many of you may be concerned following the publicity surrounding the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) triple vaccine. At all levels, officialdom has issued countless reassurances that the triple vaccine is safe and the vast majority of doctors believe this is true. Sadly, the government’s record of issuing reassuring statements has been found wanting on a number of recent occasions. So it’s hardly surprising if, as a parent, you find yourself in a dilemma.

While it’s every parent’s choice to decide whether to vaccinate or not or try to find single-dose vaccines, understanding the facts is important. Here’s what you need to know about vaccines:

Measles, mumps and whooping cough can have a catastrophic outcome - they can be fatal or result in severe life-long health problems
Rubella (German measles) is a mild illness for the child, but can cause tragedy if it’s passed to a pregnant woman and her growing foetus
Tuberculosis has come back with a vengeance and some strains are now resistant to treatment
Polio is also on the increase again and can be a crippling - even fatal - disease
Single-dose vaccines are an option, but difficult to obtain and only effective if you make sure your child completes the course, though they do leave children unprotected for a longer period of time
Homeopathic vaccines DO NOT work. There’s not a shred of evidence to show they’re effective
The evidence that links MMR to Crohn’s disease and autism is scanty, and all produced by one group of researchers

Before you make a decision either way, discuss all the pros and cons with your family doctor or paediatrician to make sure that whatever conclusion you reach, it’s based on accurate information.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.