Staying well over winter

Some pharmacies also run what’s known as a minor ailment scheme for specific ailments, such as coughs and colds and diarrhoea and vomiting.

Not all pharmacies offer a minor ailment scheme, and the ailments covered by the scheme vary from area to area.

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.

For Under 5s – use the 24/7 telephone service by dialling 111

For Over 5s – you can call 111 or go online: https://111.nhs.uk

Depending on the situation you will:

• find out what local service can help you or get self-care advice
• be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
• get a face-to-face appointment if needed at an urgent care centre, GP or our emergency department.
• be told how to get any medicine your child may need

Scroll through some of the common winter ailments and illnesses below for more information and support.

Fever

Fever (a high temperature) is a natural immune response. If your child is still happy and playing there is no reason to be concerned.

If they are distressed, give them paracetamol and see how they are in one hour; always follow the instructions on the packaging. Most of the time this will be enough and avoid you having to see a GP.

If your child is under 3 months old, or the fever has lasted 5+ days, call your GP for advice.

When to go to A&E

You only need to visit an emergency department in the very rare event that your child has one of these problems with a fever:

• Blue or mottled skin
• Very fast breathing
• A rash that doesn’t disappear when pressed
• Has had a fit, or
• Cannot be woken.

Take a look at this video by University Hospitals of Leicester and Leicester City Football Club about what to do in the event of a fever:

This video was not produced by Health for Kids: Grownups and may contain adverts.

Head injuries

We all know that children get bumps and bruises, but head injuries are often more concerning.

Most minor injuries can be treated at home with an ice-pack held to the area for short periods of time, alongside rest and paracetamol.

It’s normal to have a slight headache, feel sick for up to two days or be a bit sleepy. They can rest, but children should be supervised for 24 hours and avoid rough play and sports, in case of any change in symptoms.

If symptoms last more than two weeks, see your GP or call 111.

When to go to A&E

You only need to visit an emergency department in the rare event that your child:

• Was knocked out during the injury
• Has frequent vomiting after a head injury
• You notice a persistent change in behaviour, they are not able to settle or have memory problems.

Take a look at this video by University Hospitals of Leicester and Leicester City Football Club about what to do in the event of a head injury:

This video was not produced by Health for Kids: Grownups and may contain adverts.

Vomiting/sickness and diarrhoea

The most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in young children is a tummy bug, which usually only lasts a couple of days. Diarrhoea can last 5-7 days.

You can usually treat your child at home for sickness and diarrhoea. The most important thing is to give them lots of fluids to drink to avoid dehydration. Sickness and diarrhoea bugs are caught easily, so encourage everyone in the family to be extra vigilant about handwashing. Your child should stay at home to avoid passing the illness to others.

You only need to visit an emergency department in the very rare event that your child has:

• Vomit that looks like coffee, is bright green or yellow, or there is blood in vomit
• Swallowed something poisonous
• Stiff neck and pain when looking at a bright light or has a sudden severe headache/ or stomach pain

Coughs, colds and earache

Coughs and colds are common in children. As they get older and build up their immunity, they usually get fewer colds. Your child may have:

• a blocked or runny nose
• a sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• coughs
• sneezing
• a raised temperature

Usually these don’t last longer than a week, and you there are lots of things you can do at home to help their symptoms.

Offer water or very diluted fruit squash, making sure they drink plenty and stay hydrated.

If your child has had a cough that’s lasted longer than 3 weeks, see your GP.

If they have a temperature or are in a lot of discomfort, you may want to give them some children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen; always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Saline nasal drops can also help a stuffy nose; ask your pharmacist about them.

Children under the age of six should not have over the counter cough and cold remedies unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist.

If the symptoms are severe and your child is finding it hard to breathe, take them to accident and emergency (A&E) straightaway.

Breathing issues

Across the winter months many children can experience rapid or noisy breathing as winter viruses circulate.

If your child doesn’t have a persistent high temperature, then the symptoms will normally resolve on their own in 2-3 weeks.

Call your GP or 111 if you are worried that your child is not themselves or has a persistent high temperature.

When to go to A&E

Most children can self-manage minor breathing issues, but visit an emergency department if your child:

• Goes blue on their tongue or lips
• Has long pauses in their breathing
• Is having severe breathing difficulty – gasping for long periods

Strep A

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.

It can cause scarlet fever or skin infections such as cellulitis or impetigo. But most people carry the bacteria harmlessly and don’t develop an illness.

Rarely, the bacteria can cause severe and life-threatening infection known as invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).

Find out more about Strep A here.

Useful links

• University Hospitals of Leicester- Parent’s Stay Well Guide