I'M pregnant. Is it still ok to have the flu jab this winter?

If you are pregnant, you're a top priority for getting the flu jab and you should not put it off.

The flu jab is free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk.

This is to ensure they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications. Studies have shown that vaccinating a pregnant woman can pass antibodies on to the baby that will protect against flu for six months after birth.

Pregnant women can get a flu jab during any trimester of their pregnancy to protect themselves, their developing and newborn babies from http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/

IS squash and pure fruit juice better for children than fizzy drinks?

Like fizzy drinks, fruit juices and squashes can be high in sugar, which can cause tooth decay and lead to obesity.

The best drinks for children are water and milk.

Drinks that can contain added sugar include; squashes, juice drinks, fizzy drinks and flavoured milkshakes.

These drinks can cause tooth decay and most contain very few nutrients.

Diluting squash well will make it less sugary but it’s also better to keep it to mealtimes.

Milk is a good alternative if your child does not like drinking water.

You can even try making your own sugar-free milkshakes to make it more appealing. Alternatively, why not add fruit such as bananas? This is a great way to encourage your little ones to eat fruit and get the essential nutrients they need to grow.

WHAT is Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)?

Also known as Anaphylactoid purpura, HSP is a rare condition in which blood vessels become inflamed.

HSP can affect people of any age, but the majority of cases occur in children under 10.

The main symptoms of HSP are a skin rash, tummy pain and joint pain.

The skin rash manifests itself in small reddish-purple spots that resemble bruising, usually on the buttock, legs or arms, whereas joint pain is most prevalent in the knee and ankle joints, sometimes causing swelling and tenderness.

Your GP may suspect based on your symptoms and medical history, to confirm a diagnosis you may need to be submitted to a hospital doctor for a few tests, these tests can include: blood test, blood pressure test, urine dipstick test and a skin biopsy.

HSP is not usually serious, and most cases of the condition can be treated at home with occasional appointments to monitor the condition.

However, some severe cases may require hospital admittance.

The rash, joint and tummy pain will usually get better with time.

Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may help relieve joint pain if needed, and a steroid medication such as prednisolone can sometimes help severe tummy pain.