Healthy Halloween hints this half term

NHS Devon is sharing some helpful hints and advice on how to keep young children safe and well this October half-term. Families can follow a few simple Halloween themed steps to keep everyone healthy and well over the holidays.

Keep the bogeyman at bay

It’s the season for coughs, colds and flu.  Keep noses clean with tissues, hands clean with soap and water and keep poorly little ones away from people who are vulnerable.

Prevention is better than cure, so fill in the consent form for flu nasal sprays at school, or book your 2 or 3 year old in for their nasal flu vaccine.  Young children can be “super-spreaders” of winter bugs, so getting them vaccinated can help protect others.

More information about the flu vaccine is on the NHS website.

If you or your child have missed any routine vaccinations, contact your GP to make an appointment for a ‘catch up’ vaccine.

Peter Collins, NHS Devon chief medical officer said “Ahead of winter, we want families to know through our fun Halloween themed advice how they can keep their loved ones healthy and well.

“Flu can be much more than just a sniffle and for some, it can lead to serious illness, from ear infections to pneumonia; and in the worst cases can result in hospitalisation.

“The good news is there are small steps you can take to get your family winter ready and the most important is to take up the free, painless nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2-17 years to protect their loved ones over winter.”

“By vaccinating your child, you’re not only protecting them from illness, but you’re also helping prevent flu from spreading to those who are most at risk. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your child’s health, and to those around them.”

If your children are feeling green

The winter vomiting bug, norovirus, also spreads at this time of year.  Wash hands before eating and preparing food.  Keep children off school for 48 hours after they’ve had sickness or diarrhoea.  Antibacterial hand gels won’t kill norovirus, so do use soap and water. Make it fun with this hand washing video from the NHS.

Coping with blood and broken bones

There are lots of places to find treatment if your little ones are injured.  From your own medicine cabinet, to a local pharmacy or our network of minor injury units and urgent treatment centres.  You can find your nearest urgent or emergency care services in Devon here. If you really aren’t sure where to go, visit www.111.nhs.uk for urgent advice.

For life-threatening emergencies like a child who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, has a severe allergic reaction, is experiencing a seizure for the first time, or has a serious injury or bleeding that won't stop, call 999.

Other spook-tacular tips this Halloween include

Sweet treats. While they may have a huge pile from trick or treating, enjoying them in moderation can prevent an upset tummy. Check packaging to avoid allergens or choking hazards – some sweets may not be suitable for very young children.  Make a swap to fruit slices as they are just as yummy.

Big Brush Club. If your child is enjoying a few extra sweet treats, it's a great time to remind them about the toothbrushing skills they may have learned at the Big Brush Club.

Thousands of primary and nursery school children in Devon have access to supervised toothbrushing sessions thanks to the Big Brush Club which encourages better oral health in a fun and interactive way.

Costume safety. Before the trick-or-treating starts, check your child’s costume has a fire safety label. Safe costumes mean happy Halloween!