Boots Superintendent Pharmacist shares top tips to help beat back-to-school bugs
As summer holidays come to an end and children head back to school, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson shares her top tips to help keep children healthy during term time.
The Autumn/Winter season often sees an increase in common illness rates such as cold or flu, norovirus, scarlet fever and even chicken pox. Claire Nevinson, shares the best ways to help prevent children getting these common illnesses and some of the symptoms to spot this September.
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Teach good hygiene
“Good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of infection, so teaching children simple and general cleanliness is extremely important. Some of the key hygiene rules I like to recommend are thorough washing of the hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes.
“Children tend to resort in copying surrounding behaviour, so if they see you washing your hands and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, this can help children to pick up positive hygiene habits.”
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Up to date vaccinations
“Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.[1] All children are offered a flu vaccination each year as part of the NHS Childhood Flu Vaccination Programme. Vaccinations provide the best protection against many specific illnesses and keeping your children’s vaccinations up to date can help protect them as they return to school and all year round. For more information, parents should get in touch with their local GP.”
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Spot the signs
“Flu like symptoms can vary from child to child but be sure to look out for the following common symptoms:
- A sudden high temperature of 38C or more
- A dry cough
- A loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- A sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
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Eat a balanced diet
“A healthy immune system can help fight off germs before they cause illnesses. The immune system can be supported by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, including lots of fruit and vegetables, keeping hydrated and getting enough exercise and sleep. Try adding foods like bite-size fruit, dried fruit or low-fat yoghurts to your childs lunch box to make sure they’re getting their 5-a day.”
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Daily vitamins
“It is advised that all children aged six months to five years take certain vitamins daily. Vitamins A, C and D, support a healthy immune system and vitamin D helps to keep the bones healthy. Additionally, vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. Children aged one to four years are advised to take a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D. There is a huge a range of vitamins available at Boots – you can always speak to a member of the pharmacy team to find which products are suitable for you and your family.”
