Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Hub

You’ve attended the Child and Young Persons ARI Hub – what next?

• Coughs, colds, and viral infections: Most children with coughs, colds, and viral infections get better on their own with time.
• Rashes: Some viral infections can cause skin rashes. These are usually harmless and fade with time. If the rash is widespread, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, seek advice.
• Ear Pain: Earache is common with colds and can be caused by fluid behind the eardrum. Pain relief like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can help. If the pain persists or your child seems very distressed, contact your GP.
• Sore Throats: These often come with viral infections and usually improve within a few days. Encourage fluids and use pain relief if needed. Seek help if your child has difficulty swallowing or a high fever.
• It’s safe to monitor your child at home unless symptoms worsen.
• Antibiotics aren’t usually needed for many common childhood illnesses – they don’t work on viruses. Your clinician will have carefully checked that antibiotics weren’t needed for your child.

ADVICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

SELF-CARE AT HOME

• Fluids: Encourage plenty of drinks.
• Rest: Let your child rest and keep them comfortable.
• Fever or pain: Use Paracetamol* or Ibuprofen if your child is distressed or uncomfortable. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the correct dose and timing.
• Avoid alternating between paracetamol and ibuprofen unless advised by a clinician – it’s easy to get timings muddled. Stick to one unless you’ve been told otherwise.
• Never give aspirin to children under 16.
• Avoid cough medicines: Not recommended for under 6s and rarely help older children.

*You don’t need a branded version – non-branded paracetamol from a supermarket or pharmacy works the same and is often cheaper.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Coughs and colds can last up to 3 weeks. 

Your child may eat less and be more tired – this is normal as long as they are regularly drinking and weeing.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP AGAIN

PRACTICAL EXTRAS

Check your local pharmacy opening times – Find a pharmacy – NHS 

Keep up to date with routine and flu vaccines. These vaccines are safe and protect against serious illness. For more information visit – Childhood immunisations – Your Health

Smoking – If anyone in your household smokes, reducing your child’s exposure to smoke – even outside or in the car – can make a big difference to their recovery and future health. Smoke-free homes and cars help protect little lungs and reduce the risk of infections coming back. 

If you’d like support to cut down or quit, there are free, friendly services available locally. Free help for people wanting to quit smoking is available in all parts of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, with each local authority offering a range of services and support options. 

Add link – Get local support

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUPPORT FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE (0–5 years)?