As winter approaches, young children often experience a range of illnesses due to colder weather and increased time spent indoors, which can lead to the spread of various infections. Understanding these common winter ailments and how to manage them is crucial for keeping your child comfortable and healthy. Below is a guide based on NHS advice to help you navigate these challenges. Remember, winter can be tough for parents, but knowing how to respond and when to seek medical advice can make a significant difference. Always follow NHS guidance and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your child’s health.
Common winter illnesses
1. Colds and flu
Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and sometimes body aches.
Management:
- Rest and hydration: Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen: For fever or discomfort, you can give age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always follow the dosing instructions.
- Hygiene practices: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to wash their hands frequently.
- Get vaccinated: The children’s flu vaccine helps protect against flu. It’s offered to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children and teenagers (reception to year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
2. Bronchiolitis
Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, often following a cold. It is most common in babies and young children.
Management:
- Humidified air: Keeping the air moist can help with breathing. Consider using a humidifier.
- Fluid intake: Ensure your child stays hydrated.
- Medical attention: If your child is struggling to breathe, feeding poorly, or has a persistent high fever, seek medical advice immediately.
3. Gastroenteritis (stomach bug)
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.
Management:
- Fluid Replacement: Oral rehydration solutions are important to prevent dehydration. Offer small sips frequently.
- Diet: Once vomiting and diarrhoea stop, reintroduce food slowly, starting with bland foods like toast or rice.
- Hygiene: Keep your child away from other children to prevent spreading the illness. Ensure thorough handwashing after using the toilet and before eating.
4. Croup
Symptoms: Barking cough, hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing, usually worse at night.
Management:
- Cool or moist air: Taking your child into a cool, misty environment can help reduce symptoms.
- Keep calm: Keeping your child calm can help them breathe more easily.
- Seek medical help: If your child’s breathing is labored or they appear very unwell, seek immediate medical attention.
When to seek medical advice
While many winter illnesses can be managed at home, with the support from your community pharmacy.
Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.
They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a doctor (this is called Pharmacy First).
Conditions pharmacists can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
Prevention tips
Preventing illness is always better than treating it. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of winter illnesses:
- Vaccination: Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccinations, including the flu vaccine if they are eligible.
- Good hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial. Teach your child to avoid touching their face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help boost the immune system.
- Warm clothing: Dress your child warmly in layers to protect against cold weather.
For more detailed information, you can visit our Children’s Health Matters hub or the NHS website or contact your healthcare provider.