What does it mean when the GP says "your child has a virus" and why won't he give her antibiotics to make her better when she is so poorly?

Gastroenteritis - what is it and how can I prevent my children from getting it?

"Gastroenteritis" (GE) means inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, or your stomach and your bowel if you prefer. This can be due to different organisms, mainly bacterial (unusual), parasitic (this is more common in developing countries than in the UK) or viral (very common, particularly in the winter months). It presents with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and may or may not be accompanied by a raised temperature.

Croup is a respiratory illness of childhood, usually contracted during the winter and autumn months. It generally affects children between the ages of six months and three years but has been seen in those as little as three months of age and as old as 15 years. It is due to a number of viruses that affect the upper part of the wind pipe causing it to become irritated, sore and swollen.

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are a common infection in pre-school children. Symptoms include itching and weight loss, and treatments are available to be used along with very strict hygiene.

Head lice is a an often unavoidable hazard for school children. The costant itching is the first clue to check for lice or nits and then there are several treatments you can try.