DURING the winter months, tummy bugs such as gastroenteritis can easily set up home in cosy households.

These bugs can be particularly unpleasant for young children. However, if you arm yourself with the North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s tips and advice you can eliminate these bugs from your home and help keep your little ones well this winter.

There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent the spread of tummy bugs:

* Encourage regular hand washing (especially after going to the toilet, changing nappies, before touching food)

* Discourage sharing towels

* It is advised that children suffering with stomach bugs should not attend school or childcare facilities until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea

* Avoid swimming in public pools for two weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea can last between five and seven days, vomiting should stop after three days. Most of the time a tummy bug can be treated at home, without needing to see a GP. Tips to relieve the symptoms of tummy bugs are:

* Simple pain relief, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can help with stomach cramps.

* Encourage your child to drink little and often. This helps to prevent dehydration. Use oral rehydration solution from your local pharmacy.

* Continue to offer food as normal; plain foods such as bread, pasta or rice may be more tolerable.

If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, call NHS 111 (dial 111) for information and advice. The NHS 111 service is free to call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calling 999 or going to A&E should be reserved for emergency situations only. If your child shows any of the ‘red’ symptoms, seeking urgent help would be appropriate times to call 999 or go to A&E.