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Northlands Wood Practice
Northlands Wood Practice 7 Walnut Park Haywards Heath West Sussex, RH16 3TG
01444 458022
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Changes to Controlled Drugs - 1st April 2019
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Latest News
Scarlet fever – advice for parents and carers
Scarlet fever, or ‘Strep A’, is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci (strep).
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually, but will have a sandpapery feel.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP practice if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (
iGAS
). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10, and sadly a small number of deaths which are being investigated.
It is important to mention that there are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs this time of year. In most cases, these infections will be a mild illness and can be treated at home. These should resolve without medical intervention. If you do need advice, your community pharmacy is a great first port of call for minor health issues. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP practice if:
your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other
signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable.
Call 999 if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
//
What you need to know – advice for parents and carers this winter
This is the first winter without pandemic restrictions in two years, and you and your children may be more susceptible to the usual winter bugs and viruses this year.
Winter bugs and viruses are usually mild, but can sometimes become more serious, particularly in younger children or if an infection spreads to a vulnerable family member.
There are several common infections that your child might pick up over the winter period. In most cases, these infections will be a mild illness and can be treated at home. However, in some cases they might get worse and require medical help.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
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Please not our Reception Team are unable to take Prescription requests via our phonelines the can be emailed to
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Health News from the BBC and the NHS
BBC Health
Shopping purchases may help spot ovarian cancer
Shoppers' loyalty-card data could flag early symptoms linked to the cancer, UK researchers say.
Physiotherapists join NHS strike in one-day walkout
The strike across 30 services in England is the latest action by health staff in the pay dispute.
Dad's warning after girl, 14, dies from inhaling deodorant
Giorgia Green's parents want clearer product labelling to warn of the potential dangers.
Nitrous oxide: Ban on use and sale of laughing gas considered
Laws may be tightened on the sale and use of the drug, which can have damaging side effects to users.
Paramedics say people are getting ill because their homes are so cold
Ambulance crews say they are treating more people who are sick because they cannot afford to heat their home.
Parkinson's: Using exercise to turn the table on disease
Following his diagnosis Scott Hanley turned to physical activity and says he is now "symptom free".
University of East Anglia: 80-year-old baby-deaths mystery is solved
A University of East Anglia study finds the deaths were caused by a gene mutation which affects vitamin D metabolism.
Smear tests: GP waiting times putting women off cervical screening
Figures reveal 30% of women in England are not up to date with cervical screening.
Bangor University: Medical school to tackle doctor shortage
There are hopes students will stay in north Wales after their degree to ease a shortage of doctors.
NHS Tracker: Find out about hospital waiting times in your area this winter
Flu, staff shortages and Covid backlogs are putting the NHS under severe strain, find out what's happening in your area.
NHS Choices Behind the Headlines
NHS Choices
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Report calls for better mental health support in the workplace
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