Dr Saskia Coetzee Paediatrician / Paediatric Critical Care Specialist

22/05/2026

(012) 664 1072/3
[email protected]
www.drsaskiacoetzee.co.za
Unitas Hospital, Room 209, 866 Clifton Avenue, Centurion, South Africa

18/05/2026

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the room.

Why is measles important?

Measles is not just a “normal childhood illness.” It can cause serious complications, especially in:

* Babies and young children
* Pregnant women
* Children with weak immune systems
* Malnourished children

Symptoms of measles

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure.

Early symptoms:

* High fever
* Runny nose
* Red eyes
* Cough
* Tiredness

Later symptoms:

* A red rash starting on the face and spreading downward
* Small white spots inside the mouth (“Koplik spots”)

When is a child contagious?

A child can spread measles:

* 4 days before the rash appears
* Until 4 days after the rash starts

Possible complications

Measles can lead to:

* Ear infections
* Diarrhoea
* Pneumonia
* Croup
* Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
* Seizures
* Death in severe cases

Treatment

There is no specific cure for measles. Treatment focuses on comfort and preventing complications:

* Fluids
* Fever control
* Nutrition
* Vitamin A supplementation
* Monitoring for breathing difficulty or dehydration

Seek urgent medical care if your child has:

* Difficulty breathing
* Extreme sleepiness
* Seizures
* Dehydration
* Persistent high fever

Prevention

The best protection is vaccination.

In South Africa, measles vaccination is part of the national immunisation programme.

Important prevention steps:

* Vaccinate children on schedule
* Keep infected children away from school/daycare
* Wash hands regularly
* Avoid contact with infected people

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

www.drsaskiacoetzee.co.za

25/04/2026

Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) is a medicine given to babies and some toddlers to help protect against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), a common virus that can cause serious chest infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. It is designed to reduce the chance of severe RSV illness and hospitalization.

What is RSV?

RSV is very common and usually causes cold-like symptoms, but in babies it can sometimes lead to:

* Wheezing
* Difficulty breathing
* Feeding problems
* Dehydration
* Hospital admission

Young infants, premature babies, and babies with lung or heart conditions are at higher risk.

What is Beyfortus?

Beyfortus is not a vaccine. It is a long-acting protective antibody that gives babies immediate protection against RSV after one injection.

Who can receive it?

Depending on your country’s guidance, Beyfortus may be offered to:

* Newborns and infants entering their first RSV season
* Some children up to 24 months who remain at higher risk during a second RSV season

How is it given?

* A single injection into the thigh muscle
* Usually given before or during RSV season
* For babies born during RSV season, it may be given before discharge from hospital

How effective is it?

Studies and real-world data show Beyfortus significantly lowers the risk of severe RSV infection and hospitalization in infants.

Common Side Effects

Usually mild:

* Pain or redness at injection site
* Mild fever
* Rash (less common)

Serious allergic reactions are rare.

Important to Know

Beyfortus does not replace routine childhood vaccines. It specifically protects against RSV only.

How else can I protect my baby from RSV?

* Wash hands often
* Avoid sick visitors
* Keep baby away from cigarette smoke
* Avoid crowded indoor places during RSV season
* Breastfeeding can help support immunity

19/04/2026

Influenza (flu) in children is a common viral respiratory illness that tends to occur in seasonal outbreaks, especially during winter months. It is caused by the Influenza virus and spreads easily through respiratory droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or touch shared surfaces.

Children often present with a sudden onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and marked fatigue. Younger children may also have vomiting or diarrhea. While most cases are mild and self-limiting, influenza can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, or worsening of underlying conditions like asthma.

Management is mainly supportive—ensuring adequate fluids, rest, and fever control (e.g., paracetamol). Antiviral treatment (e.g., oseltamivir) may be considered in high-risk children or severe cases, especially if started early.

Prevention is key: annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children older than 6 months, particularly those at higher risk. Good hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when ill also help reduce spread.

Seek medical attention if a child develops difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, poor feeding, lethargy, or signs of dehydration.

15/04/2026

Dr. Saskia Coetzee is a dedicated Paediatrician and Paediatric Intensivist based at Netcare Unitas Hospital. With years of experience, she provides expert care for families in Centurion. Her services include general paediatric consultations, well-baby clinics, and intensive care management.
Book an appointment: (012) 664 1072 or (012) 664 1073, or email: [email protected]
Find us: Room 209, Netcare Unitas Hospital, Clifton Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion. 📍

03/04/2026