How to Spot Serious Illnesses in Children This Winter

With winter bugs making the rounds, it’s not uncommon for children to come down with illnesses or minor injuries that leave parents and carers wondering how best to respond. NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has shared essential advice to help families manage their child’s symptoms and know when to seek medical support.

Managing Winter Illnesses at Home

Most childhood illnesses, such as colds and mild coughs, can be treated at home. According to NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, colds usually last for five to seven days, but coughs can linger for weeks. If your child is otherwise well and has no breathing difficulties, there’s generally no need for concern.

To ease the strain of caring for an unwell child, it’s vital to rest when possible and share the load with someone else. Practical tips for managing symptoms, including guidance on eating, drinking, and sleeping, can be found on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website.

Should Your Child Stay Home from School?

Deciding if your child is too ill for school, nursery, or playgroup can be tricky. To simplify the process, government guidelines for schools and nurseries are available on the NHS website, providing clear advice on when children should stay home and when it’s safe for them to attend.

When to Seek Medical Help

Several healthcare professionals can assist with children’s illnesses and minor injuries, including pharmacists, GPs, nurses, and health visitors.

Pharmacists can often diagnose minor conditions and advise if a GP appointment is necessary. Many GP surgeries offer flexible options for small children, such as phone consultations or same-day appointments. For more severe symptoms, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly recommends contacting your GP or calling 111 for guidance.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, advises parents:

“It’s important you trust your instincts and get the help your child needs. Not getting the advice and treatment at the right time could put your child at risk of serious illness.”

Families of children with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or diabetes are reminded to monitor for warning signs of worsening symptoms and follow the advice provided by their child’s medical team.

Digital Support for Parents

For quick access to expert advice, the HANDi Paediatric app offers information about common childhood illnesses and guidance on when to seek medical help. The app is available for download on both Apple and Android.

• Download from Apple: ‎HANDi Paediatric on the App Store (apple.com)
• Download from Android: HANDi Paediatric – Apps on Google Play

Finding Help at the Weekend

Parents seeking support over the weekend are encouraged to think ‘Where is best?’ before heading out. Visit the NHS website for information on the best care options, including finding the nearest open pharmacy. Pharmacists can assist with a range of conditions, from earaches to urinary tract infections, and may provide emergency medicine supplies if GP surgeries are closed.

For more advice on looking after a sick child, visit the NHS webpage on children’s illnesses. If your child’s symptoms worsen, call 111 for further assistance.

This winter, staying informed and trusting your instincts could make all the difference in keeping your child healthy and safe.