If your child is experiencing painful symptoms such as headaches or joint aches, or they have a fever that is causing them discomfort, medications such as Calpol and Nurofen can help to relieve pain and enable rest, which is essential for healing. The best product for your child will depend on their symptoms and their age and weight, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the options. It’s also vital to read the packaging insert carefully when giving any medication to your child, as dosage and frequency will vary.

Coughs, colds and viruses are a natural part of childhood development and are often picked up at school and in other social environments. Building up your child’s immune system will help them fight off bugs and get ill less often in the future, and there are many ways to do this. We recommend taking a holistic approach, building your child’s health through a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. You should aim to give your child a range of colourful foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and sugar wherever you can.

Sleep is another vital element in protecting your child’s health, and you should ensure that they have a bedtime routine that allows plenty of time for winding down and relaxing before bed. Aim to put your child to bed and get them up at the same time each day, establishing healthy habits that will support them throughout their lives. 

Drinking plenty of water is very important on a daily basis, especially when your child is unwell. Children can become dehydrated quickly when they are ill, so giving them enough fluids is crucial at this time. You may find that drinks such as hot water with lemon and honey are comforting to your child and will help with healing, too.

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we have a full range of healthcare products for infants, children and adults and we offer online and face-to-face services. Talk to us for help with any health questions you may have, and we will always do our best to help. We’d love to see you in our Irish independently-owned community Pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick or you can order online for delivery across Ireland.