Page 24 - Community Health magazine - issue 38

Back to school

top tips

Help keep your children healthy and
ready for anything with this handy
guide for five to 11-year-olds.

Things you should have at home Plasters for cuts and grazes
Common illnesses are something you can prepare for Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home.
When the wound has stopped bleeding, wash it under tap water.
at home. You are unlikely to get a prescription for them
Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow
but these over-the-counter medicines are available to
healing. Pat it dry and apply a plaster.
buy in a pharmacy or supermarket. The pharmacy can
Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days, but if they
also offer help and clinical advice to manage minor don’t, use NHS 111 online or by phone.
health concerns or help you get the care you need if
your symptoms are more serious. Common childhood health issues
Head lice
Thermometer – for fevers
Head lice are tiny insects which live in hair. They are common and
Digital and forehead thermometers help check if your child has a you can check for live lice and eggs by combing through your child’s
fever – a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F). hair with a detection comb, which you can buy at a pharmacy.

To bring a fever down you can give children’s paracetamol (for You don’t need to see your GP. The pharmacy can recommend
children three months and over) and encourage your child to drink treatment or you can comb the lice and eggs out.
more. Try using their favourite cool drink or ice lollies.
Make sure they are not wearing too many clothes – a vest or pants Coughs and colds
is okay if the house is a normal temperate. Use a cotton sheet at It’s normal for children to have several colds a year. They will build
bedtime and make sure your child’s immunisations are up-to-date. up immunity as they get older and will get fewer colds.
Simple pain killers Most colds get better in five to seven days, but can take up to two
weeks in small children.
Ask your pharmacist for advice. Paracetamol and ibuprofen
suitable for children can be bought from a supermarket or If your child has had a cough that has lasted longer than three
pharmacy. There is no need to ask your GP for a prescription. weeks, see your GP.
If your child’s temperature
Antihistamines is very high or they feel hot
These are medicines used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as and shivery, they may have a
hay fever. Speak to a pharmacy about chest infection. See your GP or
what is suitable for your child. You do contact 111.
not need a prescription.
Oral rehydration sachets

These replace the salt and water lost
during diarrhoea. Ones which disolve
in water are best.

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