NHS releases health advice for school holidays

As children across Scotland enjoy their summer holidays, NHS 24 is offering help to parents, grandparents and carers to keep the family safe and healthy, whether at home or abroad. There are a number of potential health issues the NHS says people should be prepared for — from simple allergies like hay fever, to bumps, bruises, sunburn and insect bites.

There’s lots of information on how to stay healthy or treat summer illness on NHS inform website where people can search our self-help guides for advice on anything from hay fever to stings and tick bites https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides

NHS 24’s Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan said: “Nobody wants ill health to spoil their summer and many of the most common problems are easily treatable or even preventable.

“Accidents do happen of course, so as well as preventing illness, it is best to be prepared with a good first aid kit. Your local pharmacist can advice what your first aid kit should include. Remember to take it if you’re travelling and if you’re heading abroad be sure to have all relevant paperwork e.g. travel insurance, before you travel. If you fall ill abroad you’ll need to contact the local health services.

Dr Ryan added that, if you take regular medication or have repeat prescriptions, make sure you order what you need and pick up in plenty of time before leaving for your holiday.

“This will help avoid any last-minute panics and remember, you can pick up a prescription for a relative if they are unable to make it themselves,” she explained.

“If you run out of your regular medicines while anywhere in Scotland a local community pharmacy is the first place to go. They should be able to provide you with what you need.

Dr Ryan would encourage everyone to have a look at the NHS inform and search for common summer illnesses and how to treat them.

“Making sure children and older people are well hydrated and using plenty of sunscreen if outside is a good idea and having remedies at home such as anti-histamine medication and creams is also a good idea,” she continued.

“Hopefully, with a little preparation, people will be able to enjoy a safe, healthy and happy holiday.”

There are a number of public holidays over the summer period across Scotland. The NHS has advised that you when these are scheduled, so you know when your GP surgery is open.