infantum Their rate of absorption is uneven, and they present a greater risk of aspirin poisoning than other forms of this drug.) Because both aspirin and acetaminophen come in different strengths, you should check the label to make sure that the strength is appropriate to the age of your child. Aspirin and acetaminophen tablets can be crushed and mixed with a little applesauce, jelly, or ice cream to make them more acceptable to the child. Whenever you disguise a medicine in this way, however, you must make sure that the child takes the whole dose. Until recently, acetaminophen was used primarily when a child couldn't take aspirin for one reason or another. There is now evidence. however, that the use of aspirin, especially when given to a child with chicken pox or the flu, may be associated with a condition known as Reye's syndrome. This is a relatively rare condition that combines encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) with liver disease. Although it has not been proved that aspirin causes or promotes Reye's syndrome, it is recommended that aspirin not be given to children with a viral infection, particularly chicken pox or influenza. Acetaminophen, however, has not been linked to Reye's syndrome and is an acceptable substitute. If you are in any doubt about the use of aspirin or acetaminophen for your child, consult your doctor. EMETIC An emetic is a substance that is used to induce vomiting, which is desirable in certain cases of poisoning. Every medicine chest should contain an emetic-syrup of ipecac is recommended. It is a good idea to have two small bottles, each containing a single dose of two to three teaspoonfuls for immediate use. Note, however, that vomiting should not be induced automatically in a case of poisoning. If the poison is something that is not normally edible (for example, gasoline, turpentine, or cleaning fluid), you should not make the child vomit because the poison may do additional harm on the way back up. (See Poisoning for more information.) NOSE DROPS, NASAL ASPIRATOR, AND DECONGESTANTS Nose drops and oral decongestants and a nasal aspirator may be used to relieve nasal stuffiness and discharge. Ask your doctor to recommend types and uses. THERMOMETER AND LUBRICANT A stubbybulb thermometer is the most practical because it can be used to take an oral, rectal, or armpit temperature. Any lubricating ointment will serve to prepare a thermometer for rectal use, but a watersoluble gel is superior because it readily washes off in cold water. ADDITIONS The following are useful for treating minor accidents: antiseptic solution, antibiotic ointment, sterile gauze pads (two by two inches and three by three inches), rolls of knitted bandage (two inches wide and three inches wide), adhesive tape (onequarter inch wide), "butterfly" bandages, and other adhesive bandages of assorted sizes.? All children should be properly immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. foot and mouth