Page 25 - Community Health magazine - issue 38

Upset tummy

A stomach ache, including stomach cramps or abdominal pain, What to do if your child is unwell
doesn’t usually last long and isn’t usually caused by anything serious.
It can be difficult to tell when a child is seriously ill, but the
If you’re concerned, a pharmacist can give main thing is to trust your instincts.
advice and suggest any medication which
may be required, such as oral rehydration. If your child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can
If your child has diarrhoea, most cases usually look after them at home. They should feel better in
will clear up after a few days without a few days.
treatment, and you may not need to take If they’re uncomfortable, you can give them children’s
them to the GP. They should drink plenty paracetamol or children’s ibuprofen.A pharmacist can give
of fluids – frequent small sips of water – you advice about how to ease your child’s symptoms and
until it passes. whether you need to see a doctor.
Asthma Find more ways to support your
child’s health and development at
Make sure your child has an inhaler, knows where it is, and knows
how and when to use it. family.kentcht.nhs.uk

Be antibiotic aware Use the right NHS service for you
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, such as colds, flu and most Many minor health issues can be dealt with at home or by
sore throats, and may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics seeing a pharmacist.
when they are not needed increases the risk of getting an infection
later that resists antibiotic treatment. You can visit an urgent treatment centre if your child has
a suspected broken bone or fracture, a sprain or a strain,
Sore throats minor cut, burn or scald.

Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses, such as colds or flu. You don’t need an appointment and they are open a
minimum of 12-hours-a-day from 8am to 8pm, 365-days-
Your child’s throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a a-year, including bank holidays.
cold starts. You can give them children’s paracetamol or children’s
ibuprofen to reduce the pain.
Get the right treatment when you
Most sore throats get better on their own after a few days. need it. Contact 111 or visit

If your child has a sore throat for more than four days, a high stopthinkchoose.co.uk
temperature and is generally unwell, see your GP.

Strep A
Strep A is a common type of bacteria. Most strep cases are mild and Supporting mental health
easily treated, but some are more serious.
Common symptoms of strep A include: goodmentalhealthmatters.com contains useful tips for
parents, along with details of Fantastic FRED, which tours
• flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or primary schools across Kent for with a simple message for
an aching body children about what they can do to help keep their minds
• sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis) and bodies healthy.
• a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
• scabs and sores (impetigo)

• pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• severe muscle aches
• nausea and vomiting.
Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can
also sometimes get them.
Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with
antibiotics. But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems.
This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).

www.kentcht.nhs.uk
www .kentcht.nhs.uk 25