Admin Corner

An Update from Nurse Emma

COLD and FLUS

During the winter months not only do we get wet and cold weather, we can also get an occurrence of viruses occurring more frequently and two of the most common viruses that occur at this time of year are colds and flus. 

Symptoms of a Cold

• A stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Red eyes
• Swelling of lymph glands
• Fever (occasionally)
• There may be loss of appetite and, sometimes, nausea and some vomiting.

Symptoms will vary from person to person and from illness to illness. Usually, symptoms last from a few days to a week or more and you will recover fully without any ongoing problems.

If symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your Doctor.

Treatments for a Cold

There is no cure for the common cold and no specific treatment that will make the cold go away more quickly. Symptoms can be relieved in several ways:

• Paracetamol can be given as per the directions on the packaging if fever is present.
• Warm drinks will ease a sore throat and dry mouth.
• Nasal drops or spray will ease a blocked nose.
• Lozenges – the cheapest ones are equally as good as the expensive ones

There is no need for bed rest if your child has a cold, however it is important to limit the amount of activity the child participates in, as well as ensuring they are following the correct prevention measures such as staying at home when they are sick and not attending school or participating in any group activities.  By doing this, there is less chance of the cold spreading to other people.

Although children are unlikely to be hungry, make sure they drink lots of fluids. Appetite will return as the child starts to feel better.

Symptoms of Flu

• sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
• a dry cough
• body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs)
• feeling extremely weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other symptoms can be:

• chills
• aching behind the eyes
• loss of appetite
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose.

Having the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it.

To prevent the spread of flu it is very important children who are sick stay home from school and don’t participate in any group activities.  

SPARE CLOTHES

As we head into the colder and wetter months of the year, can you please remember to put a change of clothes in your child’s bag as there is limited supply in the Health Hub.  If any family has tracksuit pants at home that they no longer require, please feel free to send them to us, especially if they are small sizes.