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Choose well this Halloween

Don’t get spooked if your child becomes unwell this half term. Take the fright out of finding the right care by knowing which NHS service to use - there are plenty of services ready to help.

With children off school and Halloween celebrations in full swing, minor bumps, coughs and tummy troubles are common. NHS Surrey and Sussex is asking parents and carers to choose well so children get the right help quickly, and emergency departments stay free for people with serious or life-threatening conditions.  

  • Care at home. Treat minor cuts, grazes and mild colds at home. Most minor coughs, colds, sore throats, and mild fevers get better with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. A well-stocked medicine cabinet helps. 
  • Ask your pharmacist. Pharmacists can check and treat some common childhood problems without a GP appointment or prescription. These include earache (ages 1 to 17), sore throat (age 5+), impetigo (age 1+) and more. Age limits apply, so check before you go: How pharmacies can help - NHS 
  • Contact your GP practice. Get in touch about ongoing or non-urgent health worries. 
  • Use NHS 111 if you’re not sure. Go to 111.nhs.uk or use the NHS App for ages 5 and over or call 111 for children under 5. The service is available any time of day or night and can point you to the right service. 
  • Emergency departments (A&E) and 999.  For life-threatening emergencies such as severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding, or loss of consciousness, always call 999 or go to A&E immediately. 

To find pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, minor injuries units and more, visit our local services page: Local services | ICB - Surrey and Sussex or contact NHS 111. 

Protect little monsters from flu 

Give flu the fright, not your family. Half term is also a good time to check your child is protected against flu. The free children’s flu vaccine is a quick, painless nasal spray. It helps stop children becoming seriously unwell, and helps protect babies, grandparents and anyone with a health condition. Find out how to book the children’s flu vaccine: Children's flu vaccine - NHS 

Posted on at by Kellie Heath

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