Geard Pharmacy at Spar

26/02/2026

🧴☠️ HOUSEHOLD POISON SAFETY: The dangers parents often don’t think about

We baby-proof plug points and cover sharp corners… but many poisonings in toddlers happen in seconds— often in places parents don’t expect.

Here are a few everyday dangers I see in practice 👇

🚪 Toddler “Counter Surfing”

Once toddlers can stand on tiptoes or climb, no counter is safe anymore.

Common hazards left within reach:
• Painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Vitamins & supplements
• Cleaning products
• Dishwashing tablets & pods
• Hand sanitiser & alcohol
• E-liquids / v**e refills

🔹 Tip: Keep all medicines and chemicals in locked cupboards, not just “high up”.

🔋 Small batteries & 🧲 magnets (very dangerous!)

Button batteries (small round batteries found in toys, remotes, watches, car keys, musical greeting cards) can cause severe internal burns within hours if swallowed.

High-powered magnets (often in toys or fridge magnets) can cause life-threatening bowel injuries if more than one is swallowed.

Common sources:
• Remote controls
• Toys & novelty items
• Key fobs
• Musical cards
• Fridge magnets

🔹 Tip: Secure battery compartments on toys and remotes.
If you think a battery or magnet was swallowed, go to ER immediately.

🐶 Pet medications = big risk

Pet meds are often much stronger than human doses and can be extremely dangerous for children.

Common culprits:
• Flea & tick treatments
• Deworming tablets
• Pain medication for pets

🔹 Store pet meds separately from human medication and completely out of reach.

🌿 Poisonous plants in your home & garden

Some beautiful plants can cause vomiting, mouth burns, heart rhythm problems, or serious poisoning if chewed.

Common risky plants:
• Peace lily
• Dieffenbachia
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Philodendron

🔹 If your toddler puts everything in their mouth, consider removing toxic plants from areas they can reach.

🛠️ Garage & outdoor hazards (often overlooked)

Garages and storage areas are a major source of accidental poisoning, and are often where the most dangerous substances are kept.

Common risks:
• Paints, paint thinners & turpentine
• Paraffin (kerosene)
• Petrol and car products (antifreeze, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid)
• Garden chemicals & pesticides
• Drain cleaners
• Pool acids & pool cleaning products

🔹 Tip: Lock garage cupboards and never store chemicals in drink bottles.
Dads are often (lovingly!) guilty of leaving these products within reach in garages and sheds, please double-check these spaces.

🧠 Why toddlers are most at risk

• They explore with their mouths
• They don’t understand danger
• They move fast
• They can open containers surprisingly easily

Poisoning often happens when a parent turns away for a moment.

🚑 What to do if your child may have swallowed something

❌ Do not induce vomiting
❌ Do not give food or drinks unless advised

📞 Call your doctor or the Poisons Information Helpline immediately:
0861 555 777 (24 hours)

🚗 If your child is drowsy, vomiting repeatedly, seizing, or struggling to breathe, go to ER urgently.
👉 Take the product container with you when seeking help.

🛡️ Simple prevention that saves lives

✔ Lock cupboards
✔ Use child-resistant caps
✔ Never call medicine “sweets”
✔ Keep handbags out of reach
✔ Educate grandparents & caregivers
✔ Store chemicals in original containers
✔ Lock garages and outdoor storage areas

🧡 These are things paediatricians advise daily but many parents only realise the danger after a scare.
Save this post. Share it with another parent.
It might prevent an emergency.

Dr Willem Smit | Paediatrician

24/02/2026

🫁 Preventing Bronchiolitis Caused by RSV – What Parents Should Know

(See our previous post on RSV for non-vaccine ways to reduce infection risk.)

Bronchiolitis is one of the main reasons children are admitted to hospital in winter.
In the Western Cape, RSV season usually peaks from mid-March to August.

What causes bronchiolitis?

The most common cause is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
RSV can also increase the risk of bacterial co-infection, which may lead to pneumonia.

Since the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines (Prevenar or Synflorix) into the routine immunisation schedule, we’ve seen a significant decrease in severe RSV-related bronchiolitis admissions.

How common and serious is RSV?

* Most infants will be infected with RSV at least once. Approximately half a million children will be infected each year in South Africa.
* Many will need medical care, and some will require hospital admission. Infants under 6 months have a very high risk of developing severe symptoms and complications .
* Globally, over 100,000 children die each year from bronchiolitis.
* More than 3.6 million children are hospitalised annually due to RSV.
* Sadly, most RSV-related deaths occur outside of hospital.

RSV Prevention: Vaccine Options

🧴 Synagis (Palivizumab)

* Reserved for high-risk babies (premature infants, babies with heart or lung disease, or immune deficiencies)
* Given monthly during RSV season
* Very expensive
* Not routinely given to healthy babies”

🤰 Abrysvo (Maternal RSV Vaccine)

* Given to pregnant mothers in the third trimester
* Transfers protective antibodies to the unborn baby
* Reduces the risk of severe RSV infection by 70–82%
* Protection lasts 90–180 days after birth
* Cost: up to ± R5,500

👶 Beyfortus (Nirsevimab – RSV injection for all babies and infants)
Older children and adults can also have it.

*Now available for the first time in South Africa!
Reduces:
* Hospital admissions by ± 80%
* ICU admissions by ± 90%
Recommended for:
* All newborn babies
* All babies entering their first RSV season
* Older infants who are high-risk
* Provides immediate protection lasting up to 150 days
* Cost: ± R6,500 (excluding clinic fees)

✅ Take-Home Message for Parents

👉 In the Western Cape, I recommend that all babies entering their first RSV season receive RSV protection (ideally mid-March to end of March).

⚠️ RSV can occur outside of the typical season, so remain vigilant year-round.

💉 RSV vs Meningitis Vaccine – If You Have to Choose

If you must prioritise between:

* Bexsero (meningococcal meningitis vaccine) and
* Beyfortus (RSV protection)

👉 I would prioritise RSV protection for all babies under 1 year (and especially under 6 months), as RSV is far more common in this age group.

📊 Risk comparison:

* Risk of meningococcal meningitis in the Western Cape: < 1,6 per 100,000 people.
* Risk of RSV infection in young children: much higher, especially in winter. Country wide : 443 000 cases per year in children under 5 years old!

So if you have to choose , choose RSV vaccination but if you can , do both.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

22/02/2026

🫁 RSV Infection in Babies & Children
(Now preventable with newly available vaccines)

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is very common, and most children will be infected at some point. In older children and adults it often looks like a simple cold, but in babies and young children RSV can be serious and may lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

📅 RSV season in the Western Cape:
Mostly during the winter months, with a peak from March to August, although we see cases throughout the year.

👶 Why RSV can be dangerous for babies

* The younger the baby, the higher the risk — especially under 6 months of age
* RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants and young children
* RSV accounts for more than 50% of paediatric hospital admissions during winter months

🚨 Warning signs – seek urgent medical care if you notice:

* Very fast, wheezy or laboured breathing
(rib muscles pulling in, nostrils flaring, chest sinking with each breath, or grunting when breathing out)
* Bluish lips, tongue, face or nails (low oxygen levels)
* Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, no tears when crying)
* Extreme sleepiness or poor feeding
* Fever lasting more than a few days

🛡️ Prevention & reducing risk

💉 Vaccines (3 options available):

* Synagis – given to high-risk babies (premature infants, heart or lung conditions, immune deficiencies)
➤ Given monthly during RSV season
➤ Extremely expensive
* RSV vaccine during pregnancy – given to the mother in the third trimester
* Beyfortus – for all babies entering their first RSV season
➤ Effective for about 5 months after administration
➤ Cost ± R6 500
➤ Expensive, but very worthwhile protection for young infants

🧼 Everyday prevention:

* Wash hands frequently
* Limit contact with sick people, especially for young babies
* Smoke-free environment
* Clean toys and frequently touched surfaces
* Breastfeeding where possible for immune support
* Pay attention to air quality and ventilation

🩺 What to expect during a clinical visit

* Assessment of breathing, oxygen levels, hydration and feeding
* Lung examination with a stethoscope
* Nasal swab tests may be done to identify RSV
* Treatment is mostly supportive care (fluids, rest, comfort)
* Antibiotics are only used if a bacterial infection is suspected

💊 Treatment – home vs hospital

🏡 Home care:

* Encourage plenty of fluids
* Use fever and pain relief as advised (paracetamol or ibuprofen, age-appropriate)
* Keep your child comfortable and slightly upright to ease breathing

🏥 In a medical setting:

* Oxygen therapy if oxygen levels are low
* IV fluids if your child is not drinking enough
* Some children may receive bronchodilators or other medications in selected cases (effectiveness varies)
* Hospitalisation may be needed for:

* Severe breathing problems
* Dehydration
* Very young infants
* Children with underlying medical conditions

👩‍👦 Quick caregiver tips

✔️ Monitor breathing and fluid intake
✔️ Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
✔️ Do not give cough medicines to very young children unless advised
✔️ Seek medical care early if you are unsure or worried

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

21/02/2026

Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as colds and flu 🤧
Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.

20/02/2026

🚨 HEALTH ALERT: MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Confirmed cases of meningococcal meningitis have been reported at a local school in Durbanville.

Meningococcal disease can progress within hours, and children can become critically ill very quickly. In some cases, children can deteriorate and die within 24 hours if treatment is delayed. Even when children survive, this infection can cause devastating long-term complications such as hearing loss, brain injury, limb damage, scarring, and learning difficulties.

❗ Seek URGENT medical care if your child develops ANY of the following:

* Sudden high fever
* Severe headache
* Neck stiffness
* Vomiting
* Sensitivity to light
* Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
* A rash that does not fade when pressed
* Cold hands and feet, pale or mottled skin, severe muscle pain

⏱️ Do not wait. Do not “see how it goes.”
If you are worried at all, rather have your child checked immediately. Early antibiotics and hospital care save lives.

🛡️ Vaccination saves lives
Meningococcal disease is preventable. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and death.

👉 Children and teenagers should be protected with:

* MENACTRA vaccine (protects against strains A, C, W, Y)
* BEXSERO (protects against strain B, that is the most common cause of disease in infants and adolescents in the Western Cape) If you live in the Western Cape and you can only afford one then get this one.

Together, these two vaccines provide the best available protection against meningococcal disease.

I would advise all children 2 months and older to get the BEXSERO Vaccine immediately and to be repeated in 2 months time and all children 9 months and older to get both the BEXSERO and MENACTRA vaccines if they have not had it yet.
They are not part of the Government recommended vaccines.

👨‍👩‍👧 What parents should do now:

* Monitor your child closely for any symptoms
* Keep unwell children at home
* Follow guidance from the school and health authorities
* Check your child’s meningococcal vaccination status and speak to your doctor about catch-up vaccination if needed
* Inform caregivers, grandparents, and schools about the warning signs

If you are worried about your child at any point, seek medical attention immediately. Trust your instinct.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

20/02/2026

19/02/2026

HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF ESSENTIALS:
Battling headaches or migraines?
Hot weather, busy routines and daily stress can all trigger headaches — but relief is within reach.
pharmacy

16/02/2026

🦠 Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD): What Parents Should Know

We are once again seeing cases of HFMD in our area.
Last year there was a significant outbreak, and many parents also became ill after catching it from their children.

HFMD is common, highly contagious, and although usually mild, it can be uncomfortable for children and worrying for parents.

👶 What is HFMD?

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease is a viral illness that mostly affects babies and children under 5, but older children and adults can also get it.

It is caused by:

* Coxsackieviruses (most common cause)
* Enteroviruses (also associated with outbreaks)

⚠️ Important note:
HFMD is NOT the same as “foot-and-mouth disease” seen in animals (cattle, sheep, pigs).
They are caused by different viruses and are not related. Humans don’t get the animal disease, and animals don’t get HFMD.

🤒 Signs & Symptoms

HFMD usually starts with:

* Fever
* Poor appetite
* Feeling generally unwell (malaise)
* Sore throat

After 1–2 days:
👄 Painful mouth sores develop

* Start as red spots → blister → ulcers
* Often at the back of the mouth

🖐️🦶 Skin rash appears within 1–2 days

* Flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters
* Common on palms and soles
* Can also appear on knees, elbows, buttocks or ge***al area

💧 Dehydration risk:
Children may refuse fluids due to painful mouth sores, increasing the risk of dehydration.

🦠 How does HFMD spread?

The virus is found in:

* Nose and throat secretions (saliva, nasal mucus)
* Fluid from blisters
* Stool (nappies!)

HFMD spreads through:

* Close personal contact
* Coughing or sneezing
* Contact with contaminated surfaces
* Touching eyes, nose or mouth after contact with infected surfaces

📅 Contagious period:
Children are most contagious in the first week, but can still spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms improve.
Some adults may carry the virus without symptoms and still spread it.

🏠 Stay home while sick.
Children should not return to crèche or school while actively unwell.

🐶 Not spread by pets or animals.

🩺 Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose HFMD based on:

* The child’s age
* Symptoms
* Typical appearance of the rash and mouth sores

In severe or unclear cases, throat or stool samples may be sent for testing.

⚠️ Possible Complications (uncommon but important)

Most children recover fully, but complications can include:

* Dehydration
* Aseptic (viral) meningitis – rare
* Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – very rare
* Temporary fingernail or toenail loss (may occur weeks later)

💊 Treatment (Supportive Care)

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD.

Treatment focuses on comfort:

* Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for fever and pain
* Mouth sprays or rinses to numb mouth pain
* Encourage frequent small sips of fluids
* Cold foods (yoghurt, ice lollies) may be easier to tolerate

🏥 If a child cannot drink enough due to pain, hospital admission for IV fluids may be necessary.

🧼 Prevention

There is no vaccine for HFMD.

Reduce spread by:
✔️ Frequent handwashing
✔️ Cleaning toys and surfaces
✔️ Avoiding sharing cups, cutlery, or towels
✔️ Avoiding kissing and close contact when someone is sick
✔️ Keeping sick children at home

🚨 When to contact your doctor

* If your child is not drinking
* Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet nappies)
* Persistent fever
* Severe pain
* Child appears unusually sleepy or unwell
* You are worried (parent instinct matters!)

🤍 Final reassurance
HFMD looks dramatic, spreads easily, and can make children miserable — but most children recover well with supportive care and rest.
Good hygiene and hydration are your biggest tools.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

12/02/2026

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