It’s important to know where to turn if your family and loved ones become unwell, so you can stay safe and well this season.
With flu cases rising recently across Hertfordshire and west Essex, there is still time to check what vaccines your children and family may need and get the seasonal flu vaccine to protect against serious illness.
It can be a hugely worrying time to have poorly children and you will want to know what symptoms to look out for, get advice on what to do in the first instance and know when you need to call in professional help.
Clinical leaders of local health and care services have created a website you can go directly to which offers useful information and trusted advice direct from health professionals all in one place.
The Hertfordshire and west Essex Healthier Together website has up-to-date information, advice and guidance on a number of topics, including:
- sepsis
- jaundice
- looking after fever, coughs and colds
- accidents and injuries, including what to do if your child swallows a small object
- sickness bugs and when to keep your children at home
- vaccinations during pregnancy.
The site advises on the common symptoms of a number of conditions, what steps you should take to treat them at home and when to think about seeking further help.
Dr Rachel Joyce, Medical director for Herts and West Essex ICB, said: “It is sometimes hard to know what your next steps are when your children are unwell and what to look out for in those symptoms if they are normal or you should get extra medical help.
“This website gives parents that information about a range of childhood illnesses, all in one place and supplied by trusted health experts, to make that decision. It also has a range of information on important topics and places you can get extra support.”
Please share this website with your own friends and family this winter and help them get much needed support and advice for their own loved ones when they need it.