Know where to go this Easter holiday for health advice in Lancashire and South Cumbria

With schools breaking up for the Easter holidays and the long bank holiday weekend coming up, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has offered some simple steps parents can take to keep children healthy this half-term.

Andy Curran, associate medical director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said that by knowing where to go for advice and treatment, parents can avoid unnecessary trips to A&E.

He said: “During the school holidays, especially when the weather is good, there are more opportunities for children to pick up minor scrapes and sporting injuries.

“It is always worrying when a child needs medical attention, but there are a variety of NHS services that can offer health advice to parents, without the need for an A&E visit.

“Local community pharmacies can help with minor ailments, including colds, hay fever, insect pains, and sprains and strains, or use the free NHS 111 service, which is available 24/7 over the phone at 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk, which will provide quick and convenient medical advice and help accessing the right service.”

Mr Curran has the following top tips for parents to help their children stay well:

• Encourage regular physical activity and outdoor play to boost overall health.
• Remember to keep up with drinks to stay hydrated and when necessary, use sun cream and hats on sunny days.
• Book regular check-ups, including with the dentist and optician.
• Keep up to date with vaccinations.
• Maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine which will support the immune system.
• For more information, visit NHS website.

Many common childhood illnesses such as colds, stomach bugs, scrapes and grazes can be effectively managed at home or with help from local NHS services such as community pharmacies:

• Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids.
• A raised temperature is a natural response to infection. Use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed. If a child under three months has a temperature over 38°C, or if a child over three months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice. Your GP can help or NHS 111 when the GP is closed.
• Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old).
• Ear discomfort, usually following coughs and colds, often clears up on its own and can be relieved with painkillers.
• If a child has an upset stomach, make sure they drink plenty of water and encourage regular hand-washing to prevent germs spreading.
• For scrapes and grazes, clean the wound and cover it with a plaster or dressing. This will help stop it getting infected.
• For further advice and information, visit the NHS children’s symptoms checker: Symptom checker