PARENTS are being advised on how to look after their child if they fall ill over the Christmas holiday period.
Coughs and colds rise over the winter while GP appointments are limited.
Due to this, commissioners have urged mums and dads and carers to be aware of basic common illnesses and how to treat them.
Advice includes stocking up on medicines such as pain relief and having a thermometer to keep an eye on a child's temperature.
Dr Zaki Patel, clinical lead at Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said: “We’re advising parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles – all those that will look after children over Christmas – to make sure they’re stocked-up on medicines such as the child’s usual pain relief, oral rehydration solution and cough mixture.
"Check medicines are in date and always read the label.
"A suitable thermometer is usual too, to keep an eye on your child’s temperature.
“We have an excellent interactive electronic childhood illness booklet available to download on both websites should your child fall ill.”
For more information on staying well this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell, call NHS 111 or speak to your pharmacist.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here