15 October 2025
This week, health leaders in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) are sharing
guidance for parents and carers on how to manage common winter illnesses that often start
circulating at this time of year.
As the autumn half term approaches, and the weather continues to become colder we see a
sharp increase in illnesses including, coughs, sore throats, and earaches in young children.
To help manage these illnesses healthcare leaders are urging parents and carers to exercise
caution before requesting antibiotics to treat their children for conditions like these. Antibiotics
rarely speed up recovery for these conditions, which are most often caused by viral infections.
Instead, the LLR ICB ‘Super Bodies’ campaign which launches this week contains a guide for
parents and carers full of simple things they can do to treat these common ailments at home,
and knowing when and where to go for medical help.
Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB,
said: “Children are likely to pick up common viruses at this time of year, especially while
mixing in school and nursery environments, but they are usually nothing to worry about. Their
‘super bodies’ get to work, and most children with a normal immune system and up to date
with all their recommended NHS childhood vaccinations will fight off these common illnesses
with care at home.
“Antibiotics are not needed for common infections. They are often unlikely to speed up the
healing process, and your child will usually get better without taking unnecessary medication.
“Overusing antibiotics can also contribute to ‘antibiotic resistance’, which means that these
medications are becoming less effective at killing off bacteria. This is a very serious threat to
the health of our population, but we can all help to fight back by only using antibiotics when
they are needed.
“You know your children best, so do seek further help if you are concerned about their
symptoms, or if their ‘super bodies’ need a bit more support because they are
immunosuppressed or have other existing medical conditions.”
Parents and carers of young children can find information on treating coughs, ear aches and
sore throats on the ‘Super Bodies’ website page, as well as finding a list of more serious signs
and symptoms to look out for. They can find out when they need to stay home, visit their GP,
call NHS 111, or when to call 999 or attend A&E.
Visit: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/super-bodies to find out more.
For further information contact:
llricb-llr.pressoffice@nhs.net
Note to editors
The LLR ICB is the NHS organisation responsible for planning, arranging and ensuring the
availability and quality of health services to local people.
For further information visit: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk
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