As Easter approaches, NHS Lincolnshire ICB is encouraging parents to seek advice from their local pharmacy when dealing with common childhood illnesses.
Young children are more prone to coughs, colds and infections because their immune systems are still developing. As a result, they tend to get ill more often than adults and take longer to recover – especially when lots of bugs are going around.
While it can be worrying when your child is unwell, most childhood illnesses can be treated at home using over-the-counter medicines from your local pharmacy. Pharmacists can recommend suitable remedies, so it’s a good idea to visit them first when your child becomes ill.
Managing illness at home
Illness in young children can be stressful, particularly when they can’t explain what’s wrong. However, in most cases, parents can care for their child at home with rest, fluids, and a bit of TLC, alongside medication to ease symptoms.
If you’re unsure or if symptoms seem unusual, a pharmacist can offer helpful advice. For support during the night, visit www.nhs.uk or contact NHS 111 online. You can also call 111 if you need urgent medical help but it’s not an emergency.
Pharmacy First: help without a GP appointment
Some pharmacies can provide treatment and even prescription medicine without the need to see a GP. This service is called Pharmacy First and covers the following conditions:
- Earache (ages 1–17)
- Impetigo (age 1 and over)
- Infected insect bites (age 1 and over)
- Shingles (age 18 and over)
- Sinusitis (age 12 and over)
- Sore throat (age 5 and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (ages 16–64)
If you visit a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms, offer treatment, or refer you to a GP or another healthcare professional if necessary. They’ll also update your GP record.
If you or your child fall outside the age ranges listed, pharmacists can still give advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.