Chicken pox is currently “doing the rounds” locally. It’s a useful time to share some self care tips about how to manage the symptoms at home as most children with chicken pox don’t need to see a GP. ⏺️ encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids - try ice lollies if your child is not drinking ⏺️ give paracetamol to help with any pain and discomfort - avoid ibuprofen ⏺️ use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy ⏺️ speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching ⏺️ bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub) If your child has chickenpox, they will need to stay off school/nursery until all the spots have formed a scab. This is usually 5 days after the spots first appeared. For further advice see the NHS website or contact NHS111. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/
Prescription Charges
Help with Prescription Charges
A single prescription charge is currently £9.90 per item. There are many reasons why you might receive free prescriptions or help with paying for prescriptions. The NHS website has an eligibility checker. If you are not entitled to free prescriptions you could get a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) :
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A 3 or 12 month PPC covers all your prescriptions for that period, no matter how many you need
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A prescription costs £9.90 per item, but a PPC costs £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months (May 2024)
For more information on how to apply for a PPC here.
In April 2023 the government also introduced a HRT PPC - £19.30 for 12 months:
- It will cover all your eligible HRT prescriptions for that period, no matter how many different medicines you need. There’s no limit on the number of HRT prescription items you can get with it while it’s valid.
- You’ll save money if you’re going to buy more than 2 prescription items in 12 months.
