It is normal to feel anxious when your child is ill. Sometimes their illness is obvious – they may have visible symptoms such as a runny nose. At other times it isn’t as easy to identify the problem even though you know your child best and can spot if something is wrong. Most illnesses such as sore throats and earache get better by themselves but it’s important that parents know what to do if their child is unwell and how to recognise the signs.

The new Children’s Health Matters Guide has been designed with health experts in mid and south Essex, to give parents, grandparents and carers across Essex NHS advice at their fingertips, to help look after their children’s health and recognise when they are unwell.

Echo:

The guide provides information on coughs and colds, sickness and diarrhoea, minor head injuries, a fever and what to do if you are worried about your child’s mental health and wellbeing.

Stay updated on services, events and expert advice in your local area by signing up to our Family Health and Wellbeing newsletter. You’ll receive regular and relevant information to help support you and your family.

Echo:

For urgent or long-lasting medical problems, the NHS 111 service provides:

• Access to local healthcare services

• Medication options

• Scheduling of face-to-face appointments

• Guidance on when to access the emergency services.

Their online services also provide advice for children over 5. Please visit: www.111.nhs.uk