Yes, once the shunt site is healed after surgery it will not hurt to touch or rub the area. No, your child may get all the childhood illnesses and not hurt the shunt. Your pediatrician will help you when your child becomes ill with a virus or illness. Yes, the pressurized airplanes do not affect the shunt. You may want to give your baby a bottle during take off and landing to help prevent discomfort with the ears.
Older children can chew gum or eat crackers.
Yes, your child can play as hard as he can tolerate. Sometimes the children get tired easier and require fluids and more rest time. Football players must keep helmets on at all times. No bungee jumping, sky diving or deep sea diving is permitted since the pressure is altered. Yes, these activities are safe and do not harm the shunt.