Treating children’s winter bugs, illness or injuries
When the winter bugs hit home and leave children feeling unwell you may wonder what’s the best way to treat their symptoms.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has some great advice on looking after your sick child, and those caring for them.
Most of the time, childhood illnesses can be dealt with in the comfort of your own home. Colds and most coughs are caused by a virus. Most colds last for 5 to 7 days, but the cough can hang around for longer.
Irritating coughs sometimes take several weeks to fully resolve, but if the child is otherwise well and isn’t having problems with their breathing, they are not normally something to worry about.
Coughs that can come along with a cold, can cause sleepless nights for all. Looking after a sick child, even for a couple of days, can be exhausting. So, make sure to get rest and sleep when you can, and try to get somebody else to take over every now and then to give you a break.
Find helpful tips on what to eat and drink, getting plenty of rest and helping children sleep.
Is my child too ill for nursery or school?
It’s tricky deciding if your child should stay off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell.
Find out the government guidelines for schools and nurseries. It’s packed with advice on when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.
Seeking medical help for child illness and minor accidents
Your health visitor, nurse practitioner, GP and pharmacist can all give you advice on how to treat your child’s illness or minor injury.
The GP can treat your child and prescribe medicines. Some health visitors, nurses and pharmacists can also diagnose illness and provide medicines for your child.
If your child is ill, you can try your local pharmacy first. They’ll tell you if your child needs to see a GP or visit a minor injury unit. If your child has signs of serious illness, contact your GP surgery directly or take them straight to the emergency department of your local hospital. You can also ask NHS 111 for advice on where to go before you go to the emergency department.
Most GP surgeries are very supportive towards parents of small children. Some will fit babies into surgeries without an appointment or see them at the beginning of surgery hours. Many GPs will also give advice over the phone.
Spotting serious illness in children
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board has this advice: “It’s important you trust your instincts and get the help your child needs. Not getting the advice and treatment at the right time could put your child at risk of serious illness.
“If your child already has a health condition (such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) look out for warning signs that their condition is less well controlled. Follow the advice given to you by the medical team that looks after your child.”
For more information on children’s illnesses, where to get help, and what you can do to help them at home view the NHS webpage on looking after a sick child.
If you are worried that their symptoms are getting worse call 111 for advice.
Useful advice at your fingertips with the HANDi app
The HANDi Paediatric app gives up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. The app contains local information about when and how to ask for help, along with what to expect when your child is being assessed:
- Download from Apple: HANDi Paediatric on the App Store (apple.com)
- Download from Android: HANDi Paediatric – Apps on Google Play
Where is best?
If you’re seeking medical advice or support at the weekends, don’t forget to think ‘Where is best?’. You can visit our website for a range of medical help options, including details of how to find your nearest open pharmacy.
Pharmacists are on hand with advice and treatment for a range of conditions, including earache, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and more. They can also provide an emergency supply of most medicines if your GP surgery is closed.