2 out of 3 of my children in hospital this Christmas

[standsonshiftingsands]

Both my sons - 12 and 10 have been in hospital this holiday with high temp and a strange eye infection which has caused one of their eyes to swell and look red/sore. My youngest was in for two nights on IV anti-biotics and they older one just been admitted tonight. I'm cross because I knew the oldest one was becoming ill but at our local hospital yesterday they sent him away saying he was fine -bit of a cold. They now can't control his temp and he is being kept in. Its his birthday too. When my youngest one was in they said it was a periorbital eye infection. Has anyone ever heard of this.

I know I shouldn't moan, but its been a crap Christmas and am trying to keep it together for the two left at home (husband with the one in the hospital).

My DD had periorbital cellulitis last year. She had 3 days of IV antibiotics as an ambulatory patient (ie. technically an in-patient but allowed to just go to hospital for antibiotics and then go home each day).

She was absolutely fine after that.

Just make sure they wash their hands frequently throughout the day.(use own towel)
Use their own face flannels and towels,To reduce cross infection.
Try not to worry I'm sure they will be fine.

Thanks for the replies - appreciate it. They are keeping him in for 48 hours to make sure the infection goes. I just went back to work yesterday but have had to take two days leave!

I'm a paediatric nurse, and see a lot of kids with periorbital cellulitis. It's an infection in the tissues surrounding the eye, usually caused by trauma, infection entering a break in the skin, or can be because of infection spreading from the sinuses (so if they had colds this is probably how your sons got it).

It can be quite painful, so your DCs are probably feeling miserable, but once the antibiotics sort the infection they'll be fine. Usually takes about 3-5 days of IVs, then sometimes they may continue with oral antibiotics at home if necessary, but not always, depends how the infection is responding.

Hope your family is feeling better soon, it's rotten being in hospital at any time of the year, but this is especially poor timing.