Parents urged to know their options this winter.
With common winter illnesses on the rise among young people, teams within local health organisations are encouraging parents to familiarise themselves with the local healthcare options available before they need them.
It’s not too late to protect yourself and younger children this winter by taking up the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for those eligible. Contact your GP practice for information or book online at www.nhs.uk
Knowing where best to go when your child is unwell helps ensure you get help quicker and keeps services available to those who need them most.
Many coughs and colds can be treated at effectively home, without the need to seek medical advice. Anyone with concerns about winter illnesses are encouraged to speak to their local pharmacist, who can provide expert advice on a range of minor ailments such as coughs, colds and tummy troubles. Parents can also access advice and information on a range of illnesses via the HANDI App.
Free to download, the app provides expert information on how best to manage the six most common childhood illnesses, diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperatures, chestiness, newborn problems, and stomach pain.
Where children have sustained minor injuries, such as cuts, grazes, sprains and strains, parents are encouraged to use local minor injury units located in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Malvern, Tenbury and Kidderminster.
Manned by Emergency Nurse Practitioners, the units offer advice and treatment for a range of minor injuries for children aged one and over.
Nationally, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have reported higher than usual cases of scarlet fever, an illness caused by bacteria called group A streptococci or also known as Strep A.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.
Liz Altay, Interim Director of Public Health for Worcestershire said: “Strep A infections are usually mild. Worcestershire Public Heath is working with the UK Health Security Agency to make sure we are doing all we can to prevent serious illness in children linked with strep. Strep A can cause scarlet fever (fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel along with sore throat, headache, and fever).
If you believe that your child has scarlet fever or seems seriously unwell, please contact NHS 111 or your GP.”
Parents who are unsure where best to access help and treatment are encouraged to contact NHS111 by calling 111, or if their child is over the age of 5 using the online service via 111.nhs.uk.
You should call 999 or go to A&E if your child is having difficulty breathing – making grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs, your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue or your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.