Know what to do when your child is unwell with this simple guide

Content originally from Mid & South Essex

Most illnesses in children are mild and will go away by themselves but sometimes it can be difficult to tell how ill your child really is. Do they have common sickness, or are you missing the signs of a serious underlying condition that needs urgent medical attention? 

To help parents and carers understand what they need to look out for and where to get help, we’re excited to introduce our Children’s Health Matters campaign. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary information and resources to support your child’s health and safety throughout the winter season.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll receive weekly emails covering various common childhood illnesses, aimed at supporting you in caring for your child.

In this first edition, we’ll show you a straightforward traffic light system to aid you when your child is feeling unwell.

Coughs, colds, and viruses are common and frequent among young children and can sometimes lead to difficulties with breathing. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for children to recover, and it’s important to remember that antibiotics don’t work on viral illnesses like coughs and colds. These illnesses can be managed effectively at home or with advice from your local pharmacist.