Childhood Illnesses

However, much you try to avoid it, your child will get ill at some point, we take a look at some common illnesses (not including Covid) and the best way to treat them. Coughs, Colds and Flu Coughs and colds spread quickly through school aged children, but hopefully your child’s immunity will have built up over the years, so they are catching less colds than they used to. Coughs and colds are not usually serious and will usually just run their course, after a few days of runny noses, blocked nose or coughs.

Your child may also have a high temperature and may experience a headache.

Flu can be more serious and leave your child feeling quite unwell, achy and uncomfortable. How to treat cough, colds and flu Ensure your child has plenty to drink and if they are feeling unwell, then paracetamol may help. If they are coughing at night, it can stop them falling asleep, so a menthol balm rubbed on their feet and chest can help.

If symptoms persist, you could talk to your pharmacist to see if there are any over the counter medicines that may help, but remember that coughing if the body’s way of keeping the lungs clear.

If your child has a fever with a rash, not interacting or having trouble breathing then do contact your doctor or 111. Sore Throat A sore or painful throat, especially when swallowing can be horrible, your child may also feel unwell, tired and may have a mild fever. How to treat a sore throat The most likely cause is a viral infection and so antibiotics will not help in most cases.

Paracetamol can help alleviate some of the pain as well as plenty of cold drinks and, one I’m sure your child will enjoy, ice cream to soothe.

If their sore throat doesn’t improve after 4 days or they have a high temperature or difficulty swallowing liquids, then contact your doctor or call 111. High Temperature A high temperature or fever is 38⁰C or higher and is often linked to many common illnesses.

Having a high temperature helps the body fight the infection which is stimulated by the immune system. How to treat a fever To help reduce your child’s body temperature, keep their room cooler, about 18⁰C and make sure they are wearing light clothes or just underwear.

Keep windows open, if necessary, just give them light cotton bedsheet at night-time and ensure they are drinking plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can also help bring down their temperature and keep a close eye on them.

If their temperature doesn’t come down even after doing the above or they become confused, sensitive to the light, drowsy or have difficultly breathing then speak to your doctor or call 111. Burns and Scalds Accidents happen, but it is best to know what to do if it happens, so we take a look at the best treatment for burns and scalds.

Burns are caused by dry heat, sun burn or a hot object like a pan.

A scald is caused by hot liquid or steam.

Both can cause the skin to turn pink or red, blister and be painful. How to treat the burn or scald The best thing to do is run it under cold water for at least 10 minutes to try and cool the skin as quickly as possible.

If the burn or scald covers a large area or the damage is deep, then cover with a sterile dressing if available or with clingfilm, but not too tight and then go to A&E or your doctor immediately.

Source: NHS

However, much you try to avoid it, your child will get ill at some point, we take a look at some common illnesses and he best way to...