A NEW app has been launched today (Monday, 16 November) to help Essex parents and carers know what to do when their child is ill.

The app, called the NHS Essex Child Health App, has been created using the knowledge and skills of doctors and other child health care experts from across the county. It provides self-care tips and advice to the parents and carers of children aged 0 to 11.

Dr Sooraj Natarajan, GP Clinical Lead for Paediatrics in Mid and South Essex, said:

"We are hoping that this app will reassure parents that it is normal to feel anxious when your child is ill.

"Sometimes their illness is obvious, they may have visible symptoms such as a runny nose, but other times it isn't as easy.

You know your child best and will know if something is out of the ordinary. Most illnesses such as sore throats and earache get better by themselves but it's important thatparents know what to do if their child is unwell and how to recognise the signs."

Many illnesses can now be treated at home with lots of rest and by using over-the-counter medicines. The NHS Essex Child Health app offers handy advice on some of these most common childhood illnesses, as well as helping you to understand when is the right time to chat to your school nurse, visit a local community pharmacist, GP or to call NHS 111.

New parents should be reassured that they do not need to attend A&E for every illness their child is facing as the app contains expert advice on the most common childhood illnesses as well as information on when and where to seek further help for more serious illnesses.

The app is free to download on both Android and Apple. Just search 'NHS Essex Child Health'.

You can find it on