Keep your family winter well with our top tips

We all know how worrying it can be when your child is unwell and with winter bugs such as coughs, colds and flu already circulating there are things you can do to help get you and your family ready to stay well this winter.

Knowing where to go for different injuries, illnesses and concerns can be confusing but NHS 111 Online can help get you to the right place for your needs. Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) can help with broken bones and sprains, skin infections and rashes, and cuts. Many UTCs are available from 8am until 8pm with some until 10pm with healthcare professionals helping you get the care you need including redirecting elsewhere if appropriate.

Your local pharmacy can offer a wide range of support including advice on common illnesses, and medication without the need for a GP visit for symptoms such as sore throats, urinary tract infections, and earache. Your pharmacy team can also help direct you to other services if they think you need to be seen by someone else.

Becky Hepworth, Children’s Ward Matron at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said, “We want parents and carers to feel confident in finding the advice or additional support they need when a child is unwell and with the weather getting colder, there are lots of bugs already doing the rounds. The Healthier Together app is a great place to start for non-emergency queries, while your local pharmacy can also provide a wealth of support close to home. If you aren't sure which service is right, NHS 111 for children under 5 years old or 111 Online for children over 5 can help get you get the right care for your symptoms.

“We know how worrying it can be when your child is poorly or you are concerned about their wellbeing. There are things you can do to help self-care at home for many minor illnesses or injuries, but please always reach out for additional support if you are concerned your child may be getting worse or need more urgent medical attention.”

To help keep children entertained this winter, we have created a free downloadable activity sheet that aside from some colouring in and games to keep them busy, also offers some top tips. Make sure to stick these sheets onto the fridge once finished and if you’re happy to, please share a photo with our Communications Team via pho-tr.communications@nhs.net or tag us on social media.

Top tips for you and your family

• Download the Healthier Together app – you can get advice on a wide range of common illnesses as well as guidance on when and where to get further support if you need it. The app also offers helpful advice for during pregnancy and beyond.
• Teach your children good hygiene: encourage them to wash their hands and use tissues for coughs and sneezes. Don’t forget to put those tissues in the bin and not leave them in coat pockets!
• If your child has a cough or minor cold, but they feel well enough in themselves then they should still be able to go to school. However, if they have a temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea or signs of measles/chicken pox then they should stay at home and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms stop. 
• Ensure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations: these provide the best protection against many common but potentially serious illnesses.
• Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet: Having a thermometer and children’s ibuprofen, paracetamol and teething gels on hand can help.

  We all know how worrying it can be when your child is unwell and with winter bugs such as coughs, colds and flu already circulating there are things you can do to help get you and your family ready to stay well this winter. https://www.iow.nhs.uk/application/files/1917/6555/0450/WEB_ROP58272_Activity_Sheet_IWT.pdf