Advice for parents on common childhood winter illness

Advice for parents on common childhood winter illness image

Home » Advice for parents on common childhood winter illness

A senior local nurse has urged parents to prepare for common illnesses which children often experience during the winter months.

Understanding these winter ailments and how to manage them is crucial for keeping your child comfortable and healthy.  In most cases, parents can manage their child’s winter illnesses at home with over-the-counter medication to ease symptoms, plenty of rest, fluids, and tender loving care.  If your child’s symptoms are concerning or unfamiliar, a pharmacist may provide valuable advice.  If you’re still worried, it’s best to see a GP.

If your child falls ill at night, you can visit NHS 111 Online, or call 111 for urgent medical advice for conditions which aren’t life-threatening.

Charlotte Nunn, division chief nurse of paediatrics at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said:

“As winter approaches, it’s important for parents to be vigilant about their children’s health.  Common winter illnesses like colds, flu, and bronchiolitis can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.  However, if you’re ever unsure or concerned about your child’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.

“Your instincts as a parent are powerful, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has also reissued its popular guide to children’s health ahead of the holiday season.  It contains information on common symptoms and the recommended actions parents can take to get the appropriate help for a sick child.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

Case Study

4 June 2025

Digital care records help local care provider to deliver safer, better and…

In September 2024, Sembia Johnson joined M&C Home Support Limited, Bedfordshire as Registered Manager. With 19 staff and 24 clients, the company has been growing…

News

2 June 2025

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: building trust and stronger communities

As part of Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June 2025), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is celebrating the vital role volunteers play in…

News

29 May 2025

More than half a million Pharmacy First consultations provide fast access to…

More than 600,000 consultations have taken place in the East of England since the launch of the Pharmacy First service last year, enabling people to receive fast treatment from high…

News

29 May 2025

Consider local walks to boost health during National Walking Month

As part of National Walking Month this May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been encouraging people to get walking, improving health and wellbeing whilst also…

Blog

28 May 2025

Comparing numbers with Mum

In Diabetes Prevention Week, Steven Thomas wonders whether blood sugar could become an online game… I am a diabetic.  There, I said it.  I’m not one of those people who…

News

28 May 2025

Women who have had diabetes during pregnancy encouraged to sign up to…

Women with a history of diabetes during pregnancy have been encouraged to come forward to join a free NHS programme designed to help them reduce their risk of the condition…