In preparation for winter, now is a good time to check what vaccines your children and family may need and to take up the offer of the seasonal flu vaccine to protect against serious illness.
If you are expecting a baby, knowing how to stay healthy during pregnancy, including getting the RSV vaccination when pregnant is just one of the ways to protect your baby from a serious lung infection.
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.
There is a bespoke website, created by clinical leaders of local health and care services that can help with useful information and trusted advice, all in one place and directly from health professionals.
The Hertfordshire and west Essex Healthier Together website has up-to-date information, advice and guidance on a number of topics, including:
- childhood vaccinations
- oral health
- childhood and teen anxiety
- asthma
- infectious diseases, including measles
- pregnancy and birth, including advice on common concerns during pregnancy and staying healthy in 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.
Professionals also use this website for information to share during appointments.
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 autumn and help them get much needed support and advice for their own loved ones when they need it.