Penicillin is taken as a prophylactic, that is to prevent a particular infection. Everyone is liable to catch infections, and taking penicillin does not reduce the general risk, but it does mean that the body can generally resist dangerous pneumococcal infections that everyone is prone to, and gives time for medical attention to be sought before the condition becomes critical. Taking penicillin will not treat pain, and forgetting to take a dose does not give rise to pain, but it is important in the management of sickle cell disorder. Anaemia Children with sickle cell disorder tend to be anaemic. Most of the time they feel quite well, but if the anaemia gets worse they may feel tired and unwell.
Folic acid is a vitamin, found in fruit and vegetables, which everyone needs to help make blood.
People with sickle cell disorder especially need it to prevent them becoming run down. This is not a cause for concern unless it becomes noticeably worse. What to do if Someone has a Sickle Cell Crisis Someone having a crisis will suddenly become unwell or complain of severe abdominal or chest pain, headache, stiffness of the neck or drowsiness. There are several practical steps you should take to help reduce the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises. Make sure the Child does not become dehydrated.