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Frequently Asked Questions: Answers for children

Why do people we love get sick?

Sickness can happen to anyone. Sometimes people can get sick, and not show anything on the outside – they won't cough, or have a runny nose. Our bodies are wonderful things, but sometimes they break down – like a car – and people have to go in to hospital to try and get better.

What is illness?

There are many kinds of illness. Some are carried by bacteria or viruses (called germs). Some illnesses can be over quickly, while others can last a long time. Some are called chronic, eg diabetes, which people live with forever. Chronic illnesses are serious illnesses that need special care. Other illnesses can be contagious, which means they can be passed from person to person.

What is a germ?

A germ is a tiny little organism, so small that it can only be seen with a microscope! Germs sneak into our bodies and make us sick. The best way to avoid germs is to wash your hands thoroughly after you have been outside, or around animals. Germs don't always make you sick – your body uses its immune system to fight them off.

What is a cell?

A cell is the smallest unit of living matter. All living things, including plants and animals, are made up of cells. You can fit 37 million cells on the head of a pin – that's how small they are!

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease where the immune system doesn't work properly, and can't help the cells that are not growing normally. Cancer is very sneaky, and a person can be sick for a long time without even realising it. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common methods to treat cancer.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a form of medicine that can be used to treat cancer. Sometimes the person can use it at home, other times they will need to be treated by trained doctors at a hospital. Chemotherapy can make you sick, because in order to kill the sick cells, sometimes healthy cells can die as well. That's why people receiving chemotherapy need breaks between their treatments, to ensure that the healthy cells can relax.

How can I help Mummy?

Mummy is going to need to rest more than usual. Apart from that, you just need to let her know that you love her. It is always good to do things together as a family after someone has a serious illness.

Mummy is sick – is this my fault?

It is not your fault that mummy is sick. It is because our bodies change, and change can bring illness. Nothing you have done has caused mummy to be unwell.

What is death?

Death is when someone stops breathing, and leaves their body forever. Mostly people die because they are old. Sometimes people die because of a car accident or because they have become very sick. When people die every part of their body stops.