I'M going into hospital for an operation on my arm and I'll be off work for a while. Should I keep in contact with my employer when I am off sick?

Staying in regular contact with your employer when you're off sick, keeps you connected to your place of work and helps you stay motivated. However, how you stay in touch with them, and how often, will depend on the company's policies, so make sure you're aware of any attendance management information available to you.

When talking to your employer, you can tell them about how you're feeling and your current treatment, how long your doctor has advised you could be off for and any other problems that may stop you from returning to work. You should also ask for news and updates from work so you feel connected to your team, which should help make your return to work easier.

Visit www.fitforworkscotland.scot for more advice on how you can stay connected with your workplace when you're off sick.

MY 25-year-old daughter has had a bad viral infection. She's better now but seems really tired all the time. This has been going on for two weeks now, should I be worried?

Tiredness following a viral infection is not uncommon. If your daughter has muscular pain or headaches then a painkiller such as aspirin or paracetamol will help, however, it seems that the best relief for post-viral fatigue is rest and not overdoing activities. Your daughter should also stick to a healthy diet and avoid stress and her symptoms should ease over time. It can take six or more weeks for her symptoms to improve. If any additional symptoms appear or if she begins to feel less well rather than better, a trip to the GP for a repeat check up would be in order.

WHAT is Irritable hip?

Irritable hip is inflammation (swelling) of the membrane covering the hip joint. It is the most common cause of hip pain in young children. A child with irritable hip will have pain and restricted movement in their hip joint.

Symptoms of irritable hip usually develop quickly, starting as a strong pain and restricted movement in one of the hip joints (it is rare for both hips to be affected). In some cases, the pain can spread to the thigh, groin and knee.

A GP should be able to diagnose irritable hip upon disclosure of symptoms, and he or she will ask the child to try and move the affected leg. Your GP may refer your child for further tests including an x-ray, ultrasound sound scan and/or blood test, these tests can rule out more serious causes of your child’s symptoms and to confirm they have irritable hip.

Most children with irritable hip just need to take painkillers, such as paracetamol, and rest their joint for one to two weeks until it gets better. This can be done at home. Your child will usually fully recover within a fortnight. Your GP will arrange a further hip X-ray about six weeks later to make sure the condition has cleared.