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Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician

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Dr Maretha Combrink Paediatrician

Dr Maretha studied MBChB at Stellenbosch University and graduated in 2006. She completed her postgrad

She completed her postgraduate degree at University of Pretoria & has been in private practice since 2015. Dr Maretha is a caring, compassionate mother of two and truly understands the concerns parents may have.

16/03/2026

Motherhood often begins with dreams, expectations and ideas about who our children might become. But one of the most meaningful parts of parenting is learning to embrace and celebrate the unique child standing right in front of you.

Every child grows at their own pace, with their own personality, strengths and challenges. As parents, the journey is not about shaping them into a specific image, but about supporting them as they discover who they are meant to be.

It’s a privilege to witness how different and remarkable every child is. When we celebrate children for exactly who they are, we give them the confidence to grow into the best version of themselves.

01/03/2026

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common respiratory virus that circulates mainly during the autumn and winter months. In many children it causes symptoms similar to a cold, but in infants and young children (especially those under 6 months of age) RSV can be unpredictable and sometimes serious.
RSV spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and contaminated surfaces. Children can also spread the virus before symptoms are obvious, which is why outbreaks in group settings like day care are common.

Most children recover with supportive care at home, but it’s important for parents to recognise when symptoms may be affecting the lungs or breathing.

Seek urgent medical assessment if your child is struggling to breathe, wheezing, breathing rapidly, feeding poorly, or showing signs of exhaustion. Babies under 6 months should always be assessed early if RSV is suspected. Children can usually return to day care once they are fever-free, breathing comfortably, and feeding well.

Early recognition and timely care make a meaningful difference.

26/02/2026

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness caused by the Coxsackie virus. It spreads easily in day care settings through close contact, saliva, and shared surfaces.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Care focuses on keeping your child comfortable and well hydrated. Offering soft, cool foods can help ease discomfort from mouth sores.

Most children recover fully within a week. However, seek medical advice if your child shows signs of dehydration, has a persistent high fever, or appears unusually tired or uncomfortable.

25/02/2026

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common and highly contagious respiratory viruses in infants.
Beyfortus®️ is a long-acting monoclonal antibody developed to help protect infants against RSV during their first RSV season. Unlike traditional vaccines, it provides immediate, passive protection by delivering antibodies that help neutralise the virus.

It is designed for all infants - including:
* Healthy newborns.
* Preterm babies.
* Infants with underlying health conditions.
* Babies born before or during RSV season.

A single dose offers protection that lasts at least 6 months, covering the typical RSV season.

Timing is important:
* Babies born before RSV season should receive it prior to the start of the season.
* Babies born during RSV season can receive it from birth.

RSV prevention is an important step in safeguarding infants during their most vulnerable months. If you would like to know whether this option is appropriate for your baby, speak to your paediatrician for personalised guidance.

24/02/2026

Strep throat is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria and can lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

It is less common in children under 3 years old, but more frequent in preschool-aged children. Because symptoms can overlap with viral sore throats, testing is essential before starting treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.

22/02/2026

Ear infections are extremely common in young children, especially those attending day care. Most occur in the middle ear and often follow a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Young children are more prone because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower, making fluid buildup more likely. This fluid can become infected by viruses or bacteria, leading to pain and discomfort.

While many ear infections resolve with appropriate treatment, frequent or recurrent infections may need further investigation, sometimes involving an ENT specialist.

19/02/2026

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis refers to inflammation or infection of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelid.

Conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial, or due to an allergy and the treatment depends on the cause. Viral and bacterial forms are highly contagious and spread easily through hand contact, shared toys, towels, and surfaces.

Because the eyes are often itchy and uncomfortable, children may rub them and unknowingly spread the infection further. If you notice redness, discharge, or irritation, it’s important to have your child assessed so the correct treatment can be started.

17/02/2026

Most illnesses picked up in day care are viral and improve with supportive care at home.

Supportive care includes:
• Plenty of rest - sleep is essential for recovery.
• Good hydration throughout the day.
• Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers for congestion.
• Small, nutritious meals offered regularly.

Medical care may include:
• Staying up to date with vaccinations, including flu vaccines.
• Antiviral treatment in specific cases.
• Probiotics to support gut and immune health.

Antibiotics are not usually needed unless a bacterial infection is confirmed. Regular check-ups allow for early detection, growth monitoring, vaccination updates, and reassurance that your child is developing well.

15/02/2026

When children attend group care, illness can spread quickly - but how we respond makes a real difference. Breaking the cycle of frequent illness is a shared effort between families and day care centres, with the wellbeing of children and staff at the centre.

What parents can do:
• Allow full recovery before returning to day care. Sending a child back too soon often leads to prolonged illness and repeat infections.
• Follow sick-child policies. These policies exist to protect your child, other children, and the staff caring for them.
• Keep your child at home while unwell. This allows them time to rest and recover properly, while reducing the risk of spreading illness.
• Respect fever-free guidelines. Children should return only once they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
• Communicate openly with caregivers. Let staff know about symptoms or recent illness so they can monitor other children early.
• Support good hygiene at home. Encourage handwashing, covering coughs, and using tissues - even in young children.

Keeping a sick child at home is never easy, but it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your child, prevent outbreaks, and support the wellbeing of day care staff.

What day care centres can do:
• Maintain clear and consistent sick-child policies.
• Encourage regular handwashing for staff and children.
• Clean toys and shared surfaces frequently.
• Communicate promptly with parents about illness patterns.

When parents and day care centres work together, everyone benefits.

12/02/2026

Early recognition plays an important role in recovery and helps reduce the spread of illness at day care.

During the first year of group care, it’s common for symptoms to recur every few weeks. What matters most is how severe the symptoms are and how your child is coping overall.

Seek medical advice if your child has:
• A fever above 38.5°C lasting more than 3 days
• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Extreme tiredness or poor feeding
• Frequent complications like ear infections

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, seeking medical advice is always the right step.

09/02/2026

The tears at drop-off have dried, lunch boxes are packed on autopilot, and the school year feels well underway - until that familiar message appears: a bug is doing the rounds at day care. It’s a moment many parents know too well.

We’re starting our Back to School - Crèche Syndrome Series, where we’ll unpack what Crèche syndrome is, why it happens, the common illnesses children pick up, early warning signs, treatment options, and when to seek medical advice.

Infants and toddlers are still building their immune systems. Unlike adults, they haven’t yet developed immune tolerance through repeated exposure to everyday viruses. In group settings like day care, close contact makes infections more common - especially during the first year.

Frequent illness can feel exhausting and overwhelming, but it’s often part of this stage of immune development. Follow along as we unpack everything parents need to know to feel informed, prepared, and supported.

01/01/2026

A new year. A fresh beginning.
A chance to leave behind worry and doubt, and to step forward with a little more ease and hope.

May the year ahead bring your family love, steady health, and many quiet, happy moments.

Address

Suite 101C Mediclinic Kloof Hospital 511 Jochemus Street
Pretoria
0181

Telephone

+27123674176

Website

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