Q Can face masks made of gauze be reused after washing?
A Yes. Wash your face mask separately from other items in hot water with some bleach. But remember, your face mask is only really useful as a means of preventing you from infecting others. The most effective thing you can do to protect yourself is to wash your hands as often as possible or wipe them with alcohol wipes. And remember that when your mask is wet it will not filter effectively.
Q Sars is defined by a high fever before the onset of other symptoms. On average, how long does this period of fever last, and if for several days or more, how dangerous is this to babies and very young children?
A I wouldn't say Sars is defined by a high fever before the onset of other symptoms. But a high fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) is indeed the usual first symptom. Some people also get aches and pains at the same time, others a dry cough, some get a sore throat, while a few have reported diarrhoea.
But you are right to be concerned about a high fever in small children and babies because this is a symptom that can cause convulsions in them. If your child has a fever for any reason you need to work to get it down to normal (37 degrees) by sponging the child with tepid water and giving the correct dose (for his weight and age) of paracetemol. Remember a child with fever must never be given aspirin. Any child with a fever should also see a doctor immediately. It is best to see your private doctor because the hospitals are overloaded with cases. I am told some parents are not taking sick children to see their doctors for fear of contracting Sars, but leaving a child untreated and undiagnosed is much more risky than sitting in a doctor's waiting room.