Medical Matters: Back to school... and coughs and sneezes

As children head back to school in September, families have to support with the inevitable rise in illnesses as they get back together with friends after a long summer break. 

Winter is just around the corner and this is the time of year that we’ll see the prevalence of seasonal illnesses rise. Many children will experience these, which is part of growing up, but it is important to recognise common symptoms and what you can do if your child falls ill. 

Coughs, colds, flu and COVID-19

Colds are caused by viruses and are very common, with the average child having ten colds a year. Children with colds should drink plenty of fluids, and if your child is very uncomfortable, paracetamol can help. As viruses, colds can’t be treated with antibiotics.

Viruses like flu or COVID-19 will last longer than a cold and are more likely to be accompanied by a dry cough, fever or diarrhoea and vomiting.

Bronchiolitis (RSV)

Bronchiolitis is an illness caused by viruses which produce inflammation in the lungs of children under two. The most common virus is RSV. Babies will start out with a cold but may develop breathing difficulties. 

Look for sucking in of the chest below and between the ribs, and if baby looks blue and is really struggling to breathe or is very sleepy and difficult to wake up, you need to call 999. If your baby is not taking at least half their usual feeds or is not passing urine in a twelve-hour period or has a high fever, you should seek medical help via your GP, 111 or an emergency department. 

Croup

Croup is also caused by a virus, and children will present with a barking cough and a noise when they breathe in. If your child is struggling to breathe, has a fever over 38 or is making a noise when they breathe in, even when they are resting, you need to seek medical attention. 

If your child only has a barking cough, paracetamol may help make them more comfortable. Cold air can help the swelling – you could open the freezer door and let them take a few breaths of the very cold air.

Diarrhoea and vomiting

This is typically caused by viruses and usually gets better on its own. Offer your child small but frequent drinks, but don’t worry if they don’t feel like eating. 

What can I do to help my child?

Handwashing is an incredibly effective way of helping to prevent the spread of many childhood infectious diseases. We know that children are not always the most conscientious handwashers, so please remind them and help if needed.

The NHS website has a vaccination schedule that can help parents check if their child’s vaccinations are up-to-date. 

The HANDi paediatric app allows parents and carers, as well as doctors, to access advice tailored for Torbay and South Devon. It provides information on how to care for your unwell child at home and when to seek help for common childhood illnesses.

It can be hard to know when a child is seriously unwell, and parents should trust their instincts. You know your child better than anyone else.

If your child has any of signs of serious illness, you should get advice as soon as possible. You can call your GP surgery for advice during opening times, and NHS 111 is available at evenings and weekends by phone or online.

If your baby is less than 6 months old, it’s hard to assess their condition over the phone. If you’re very worried about them, you should take them to be seen by a clinician.

The NHS 111 website has lots of useful information when helping an ill child. Visit 111.nhs.uk 

The UK Health Security Agency has a useful online guide for managing a range of infectious diseases that can affect adults and/or children, including some common childhood illnesses.