Children get sick. On average a child will get between two to eight infections per year – annually – between the ages of one and six years. A vast majority of these infections will be viral and most will not need a visit to a doctor; even fewer will require admission to hospital. Children, however, do get bacterial infections and generally, these result in a more serious illness.

As parents, you also know when something is out of the ordinary for your infant or child, and if these issues raise concern, Dr. Sello Machaea is happy for you to make an appointment – be it an emergency one. Please discuss this with our friendly receptionists when calling for an appointment. Emergency care may be needed when a child has a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, acute pain, headache, abdominal pain, constipation, seizures, noisy or difficult breathing, severe restlessness, or trauma. Please seek medical advice if you see your little one experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Due to their smaller size, children have less “reserve” than adults, so it is vital that if your child has any of the listed symptoms or conditions, you seek medical advice immediately.