With cases of flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), COVID-19 and other childhood illnesses rising, parents and carers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to download the Healthier Together app.
This winter we have seen an extra 980 children attending our Emergency Departments with coughs compared to 2023 and there were also more than 800 children taken to Emergency Departments with a sore throat between October and December 2024.
The Healthier Together app, which has been designed by paediatricians in partnership with parents, can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18. This includes directing you to the 111 service or your local pharmacy which can now see and treat children (and adults) with minor illnesses such as sore throats and earaches. They can even prescribe medication should your child need it. It is also often a lot quicker to visit your local pharmacy rather than attending the Emergency Department where waiting times can be very long.
In December, the Healthier Together app was used by parents and carers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight more than 11,000 times.
Sanjay Patel, consultant in paediatric infectious diseases working at Southampton Children’s Hospital said: “If you’re worried that your child is unwell, the Healthier Together app is a great place to start as it provides information and advice regarding your child’s health at your fingertips. You'll find clear information on common illnesses, including advice on what serious signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, how long their symptoms are likely to last and what you should do to keep your child comfortable.”
“The app has been designed in partnership with parents to allow you to access care for your child much more easily and over 50,000 parents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have already downloaded the app and have found it extremely useful.”
The Healthier Together app can also support you if you are pregnant and live in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You can simply download the Healthier Together app and create your pregnancy profile. If you have a worry, then click the appropriate information page to help you assess your symptoms. You will be directed to the right health professional at the right time- or be given advice about managing at home saving you a trip to the hospital.
Further information about how to download the app can be found here: Download the Healthier Together app