Preventing ear infections

Although it is not always possible to prevent ear infections, particularly inner ear infections caused by colds and flu, pharmacy teams can also give advice to customers on how to help avoid inner ear infections in the first place. For example, parents and carers can make sure their child is up to date with vaccinations; keep children away from smoky environments; and try not to give children a dummy after they’re six months old.

To help avoid outer ear infections, people can use earplugs or a swimming hat that covers the ears when swimming; try to avoid water or shampoo getting into the ears when showering or bathing; and keep on top of treating conditions that can irritate the ears, such as eczema or an allergy to hearing aids.

As always, prevention is better than cure, so the best advice for customers is to take care of their ears.