Supporting your children’s ‘super bodies’ this winter

As children return to schools and nurseries after the autumn half term, the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside are sharing guidance for parents and carers on common winter illnesses that often start circulating at this time of year.

Illnesses like coughs, sore throats and ear ache are extremely common in young children, but healthcare leaders are asking parents and carers to think twice before treating them with antibiotics, as they rarely speed up recovery for these conditions, which are most often caused by viral infections.

Instead, the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ‘Super Bodies’ campaign is sharing a guide for parents and carers on the simple things they can do to treat these common ailments at home, as well as helping them to spot the signs of a more serious illness, and knowing when and where to go for medical help.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, GP and Deputy Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

Susanne Lynch MBE, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, added:

Parents and carers of young children can find information on treating coughs, ear aches and sore throats at home, on the ‘Super Bodies’ website page, as well as finding a list of more serious signs and symptoms to look out for.

They can find out when they need to stay home, visit their GP, call NHS 111, or when to call 999 or attend A&E.

Visit: www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/super-bodies to find out more.

For more information and support when your child is unwell, you can also:

• Visit the Alder Hey symptom checker online: alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/symptoms-checker
• Download the Healthier Together App: healthiertogether.app