Self care tips

• If a child has a cold, encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading
• Babies and children between six months and five years should be given a daily supplement containing vitamins A, C and D
• Some teething rings can be cooled first in the fridge. However, they should never be put in a freezer, as they may become very hard or cold and could damage the baby's gums
• Babies like movement. Pushing a baby with colic around in their pram or pushchair, or going for a drive, can be comforting and soothing.

WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It is important to find out the age of the child.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all the symptoms.

How long have the symptoms been present? This will help you find out if the child has a minor condition or something potentially more serious.

Action already taken? This will establish if the customer has given their child a product that hasn't helped or wasn't appropriate.

Medication? It is important to find out if the child is taking prescribed or OTC medicines. Many OTC cold remedies contain similar ingredients and could lead to an accidental overdose.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• All children with a fever
• All children under three months (unless postimmunisation)
• If a temperature remains high for longer than 24 hours or rises above 39°C despite treatment
• If the child has a febrile convulsion, has had one in the past or if there is a family history of these
• If there are other symptoms such as a stiff neck, vomiting, a dislike of light or a rash on the skin €“ these could be signs of meningitis
• If the child has had regular doses of painkillers for three days and is still unwell. Young children €“ particularly babies €“ should be referred before this if symptoms do not improve
• If colic-like symptoms continue after a child is four to five months old
• If a colicky baby is failing to thrive or if there is vomiting or diarrhoea.