Health
Baby Gifts Guide – 5 Things you to know
Last Updated on June 9, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
Baby Gifts Guide
The structure of a family can also help you decide which baby gift to give. For instance, you might need two baby gifts if you’re giving them to a couple with twins.
For parents who already have a child, it might make more sense to buy a gift that focuses on the parents. The most important baby items are likely already owned.
For the rest of us, we should focus on the parent. In this case, you’ll need to choose between a gift for a parent and a gift for the child.
Unisex Baby Gift Ideas
Many new parents love gender-neutral nursery items. Gifts that bless the parents and their newborn baby are always appreciated.
Project Nursery offers gender-neutral furniture, decor, toys, and more. Choose from warm or cool-toned blocks, snuggle bunnies, and on-trend nursery decor.
Gifts for both boys and girls are equally thoughtful and practical. Whether you’re shopping for a male or female parent, you’ll find the perfect gift to make the nursery unique.
Parents in a new-parenting situation may be surprised to learn that they’re not the only ones with a newborn.
Unisex baby gift baskets are a great option for both sexes.
The gender-neutral gifts are exciting for those parents who don’t know the gender of their child and can be as practical as the baby’s room.
Parents who know the gender of their newborn may not want to expose their babies to the gender they are not comfortable with at the start.
Many parents-to-be are awaiting the arrival of the baby’s gender. However, gender reveals are becoming more common. In the meantime, many parents-to-be want to delay the gender reveal.
While a gender-neutral baby gift may seem counter-intuitive, it’s the perfect option for parents-to-be who want to postpone the gender announcement until after the birth.
Unisex baby gift ideas also work well for expectant uncles and grandfathers.
Affordable Baby Gift Ideas
If you want to buy the new parents something special, there are many inexpensive baby gift ideas available.
Pajamas are inexpensive and easily available at most stores.
Themed gift baskets are another affordable option for a baby gift.
They can contain nursing pads, manual breast pumps, nipple cream, and more.
The new parents will love this thoughtful gift.
Let us know what your ideas are for affordable baby gifts! Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below.
Another cheap baby gift idea is a photo album.
Baby pictures are invaluable to the parent’s memory, so buy a photo album. An itty-bitty photo album has eight pages of four-by-six-inch photos.
It has various patterns and colors, and a handle for the little hands.
can even give the baby a selfie with the itty-bitty photo album! For more ideas, check out our list of other affordable baby gift ideas.
Baby bedding can help the parents document the milestones in their baby’s first year.
Try to buy one with quick-dry fabric, and go for a patterned baby blanket or sleeping bag with cute motifs.
If the parents are not into keeping a photo album, consider gifting them with other baby gear such as swaddling clothes, baby sheets, rugs, drapes, and height charts.
The list of ideas is almost endless, and will make the parents happy!
Unique baby gift ideas
Whether the mother-to-be is expecting a boy or a girl, unique baby gift ideas can make the recipient’s day.
Baby showers are a great opportunity to find a gift that will be useful to the baby and the mom-to-be. Here are some gift ideas to consider for a baby shower gift:
If the baby is still a newborn, consider buying a wooden walker for a cheap but useful gift.
It will help the children experiment with blocks while they are still young and can eventually stand by themselves.
Other practical baby gift ideas include personalized baby spoons, blankets, and growth charts.
These can be helpful for keeping the baby warm and dry while they’re in the bath. Don’t forget to check out the reviews before purchasing a gift.
Baby gifts that are useful but unique can be a sling carrier. These baby carriers allow parents to carry their babies close to their bodies, providing a feeling of comfort and security.
They are also a great choice for hands-free situations, where a stroller might prove problematic.
Alternatively, you can give the parents a gift cheque for a babyproofing kit. They can also buy more than one of these if they like!
Health
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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