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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR 33 Brianne Shephard, Pharmacy Group Manager (NSW), Pharmacy Alliance Iand 2019 Guild/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year. have joined an exclusive club this year, the “back-to-school nasties” club. My five-year-old queen started primary school this year, which has given me further insight and personal experience into the back-to- school questions we are often asked in pharmacy. So, I’ve compiled a list of some of the nasties, along with some tips and hints for the mums and dads you will no doubt encounter in your pharmacy any day now. Viral Gastroenteritis Ah, the dreaded gastro bug! Some of us joke at times that we could do with “losing a couple of kilos quick” but in reality, no one, and I mean no one, wants this bug to come knocking on their door. I had never suffered this personally until my daughter started daycare. And let me tell you: I have never been so sick in my life! Imagine how our poor children must feel when they are struck down! Unfortunately, the best treatment is to let it run its course. However, advise your customer on the importance of hydrating with electrolytes and consider a probiotic for the whole family to boost their gut bacteria to help prevent further issues. Practice good hand hygiene and avoid sharing food or water bottles – this is the best way to avoid this one. And keep the kids home if they’re sick. Please! Hand, foot and mouth or school sores Hand, foot and mouth (HFM) is also a virus and is classed as mild because it will usually get better on its own. The common indicator of HFM is small oval blisters on the bottom of their feet, hands, and mouth. The best treatment for this is to keep the child hydrated with water and electrolytes. You can offer paracetamol if it is causing discomfort but should avoid aspirin. If the blisters have popped, you can apply some antiseptic cream or cover them up to prevent further spread. Children need to stay home, and the school should be notified. “Every child is different with their own set of worries and fears – nevertheless, trouble sleeping and anxiety often relate to the child’s routine.” Anxiety surrounding sleep While this is a common question that we get asked usually around exam time, I’ve had so many questions around back-to-school sleep issues and anxiety this year. I’m assuming that last years interrupted school terms may have something to do with it. Every child is different with their own set of worries and fears – nevertheless, trouble sleeping and anxiety often relate to the child’s routine. Practising good sleep hygiene is a great place to start, and parents (myself included) may not realise some of the triggers: • No devices in bed! Books and winding down talk only. • Avoid stimulants, including dessert! • Set wake up/bedtime routine and time. • Diet, exercise, hydrate – sounds simple enough but are we consistent? • A high-quality multivitamin with a good dose of vitamin B and magnesium. Head lice On our first day of school this year, my daughter’s hat accidentally went home with another kindergartener. It came back the next day, so all’s well that ends well; however, it did make me realise that I probably haven’t taken the correct precautions regarding head lice, as this is not something I have had to personally deal with my child as yet (touch wood). As a quick reminder, here are some of the self-help tips you can advise your customers when assisting them in selecting the correct treatment: • No sharing of hats, combs or brushes. • Keep long hair tied back and secure loose bits with pins, hair spray or gel. • Check for head lice twice weekly. • Treat head lice as soon as detected, advise the school and keep the child home. • Ensure you comb all the eggs out and repeat treatment for newly hatched eggs you may have missed. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • FEB 2021