Children’s Pain & Fever Treatment

When your child has pain or a fever, it can be worrying - especially if it comes on suddenly. The good news is that your local pharmacy can help with assessment, advice, and treatment for a range of common symptoms.

Our trained pharmacy team provides quick, convenient care - helping your child feel more comfortable sooner.

Understanding your child’s symptoms

What is a fever?

A fever is when your child’s body temperature is higher than normal (usually above 38°C). It’s often a sign that their body is fighting an infection, such as a cold or virus.

Fevers are common in children and are usually not serious, but they can make your child feel uncomfortable, tired, or unsettled.

What is pain?

Pain is your child’s body’s way of signalling that something isn’t quite right. In children, pain can show up in different ways, including:

• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• General aches and discomfort

Pain is often linked to common illnesses or minor infections.

When should you be concerned?

While most fevers and mild pain can be managed at home or with pharmacy support, it’s important to get advice if:

• Your child’s fever is high or lasting longer than expected
• Their pain seems severe or unusual
• You’re unsure what’s causing their symptoms

Our pharmacy team can help assess your child and guide you on the best next steps.

How we can help

At Waipu Pharmacy Shop, our pharmacists can:

• Assess your child’s symptoms and temperature
• Recommend appropriate treatment options
• Provide funded treatment if your child is eligible
• Offer advice on managing symptoms at home
• Refer you to a doctor or urgent care if needed

Common symptoms we treat

We can help manage a range of mild to moderate symptoms, including:

• Fever (high temperature)
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Mild aches and pains

If you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms can be treated at the pharmacy, just ask - we’re here to help.

Who can use this service

Your child may be eligible for funded pain and fever treatment through your pharmacy if:

• They have an approved health need, and
• They are eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand, and
• They are under 14 years old

When to seek urgent medical help

While many cases of pain and fever can be safely managed, seek urgent medical care if your child:

• Is very drowsy or difficult to wake
• Has trouble breathing
• Has a seizure or fit
• Has a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
• Has a fever and is under 3 months old

If you’re unsure, our pharmacy team can help you decide what to do next.

What to expect

Visiting Waipu Pharmacy Shop is simple:

1. Speak with our pharmacist about your child’s symptoms
2. We’ll carry out a brief assessment
3. If appropriate, we’ll provide treatment or advice
4. If needed, we’ll refer you to a GP or other healthcare service

What does this service cost?

Many Extended Pharmacy Services are subsidised for eligible patients:

• If you have a Community Services Card (CSC), there may be a small charge of up to $5
• If you do not have a CSC, there may be a charge of up to $20

If you are not eligible for funding, you can still receive treatment - standard charges may apply.

Our team will always explain any costs upfront, so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Get help managing your child’s pain or fever

If your child is unwell with pain or fever, you don’t have to manage it alone - help is close by.

Visit Waipu Pharmacy Shop to speak with our friendly pharmacy team. We’ll assess your child’s symptoms, check if they’re eligible for funded treatment, and recommend the best next steps to help them feel better.