Ashton Pharmacy Toppharm

22/04/2026

14/04/2026

Griepspuit nou beskikbaar by Ashton Pharmacy Toppharm

💉 Protect your children and yourself against flu (Influenza) this winter!

- What Parents Should Know

We have been admitting children with Flu , including Swine Flu , since March which means early vaccination is strongly recommended this year like every other year.

👉 Ideally, children should receive their flu vaccine from March to early April
👉 Protection develops about 2 weeks after vaccination, so timing matters

👶 What age can children receive the flu vaccine?

✔️ From 6 months of age and older

* Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated
* They rely on protection from vaccinated parents, siblings, and caregivers

⭐ Which children are high priority?

While we recommend vaccination for all children, it is especially important for:

✔️ Children under 5 years (highest risk under 2 years)
✔️ Premature babies and ex-NICU patients
✔️ Children with chronic conditions:

* Asthma or recurrent wheezing
* Congenital heart disease
* Diabetes
* Neurological conditions
* Chronic lung disease

✔️ Immunocompromised children

These children are at higher risk of:

* Severe flu illness
* Hospitalisation
* Complications like pneumonia

🤧 Why vaccinate your child?

Influenza in children can present more severely than expected.

The flu vaccine:
✔️ Reduces the risk of severe illness
✔️ Decreases hospital admissions
✔️ Helps protect vulnerable siblings and family members
✔️ Reduces school absenteeism and spread in the community

⏰ When should you book?

✔️ Best time: March – early April
✔️ Vaccination later in the season still offers protection

Flu season typically peaks during winter months (May–August), but early cases are already being seen.

💬 From a paediatric perspective

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially in young children where flu can escalate quickly.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

14/04/2026

14/04/2026

📢 VACANCY ALERT: Registered Nurse

The Local Choice Pharmacy Swellendam is looking for a registered nurse to join the team. 🩺✨ We want to hear from you if you:
✅ have a nursing qualification;
✅ are registered with the South African Nursing Council;
✅ have experience in primary healthcare;
✅ are fluent in Afrikaans; and
✅ are excited to be part of a fresh start in community healthcare.

📩 To apply, send your CV to ansie@thelocalchoice.net.
📍 This pharmacy is located at 45 Voortrek Street, Swellendam.

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14/03/2026

In stock at TLC Ashton pharmacy.

11/03/2026

Beskikbaar by Ashton apteek
* Carbo supreme
* Supa GOO

11/02/2026

🌡️ Fever in children: let’s talk about it (without the panic)

Fever is one of the most common reasons parents worry — but here’s the good news:

👉 Fever is not the enemy.
It’s your child’s body doing its job in fighting an infection which could be viral or bacterial.

📌 What is a fever?
A temperature of 38°C or higher.

🧠 Here’s what really matters (hint: not just the number):
Instead of focusing only on the thermometer, look at your child:

* Are they drinking fluids?
* Are they responsive and making eye contact?
* Are they breathing comfortably?
* Do they perk up after fever medicine?

A child with a high fever who still plays, drinks and smiles is often less concerning than a child with a lower temperature who looks very unwell.

💊 Fever medicine 101

* Paracetamol and or Ibuprofen can be given every 4–6 hours
* Maximum 4 doses of each in 24 hours
* Dose according to weight, not age
* Fever medicine is for comfort, not to “chase” the temperature

🤝 What can paracetamol be given with?
✔️ Ibuprofen (they work differently)
✔️ Antibiotics (if prescribed)
❌ Avoid double-dosing with cold/flu syrups that already contain paracetamol
❌Do not give a cold bath. If they shiver cover them and if they sweat uncover them.

🚩 Seek medical advice urgently if your child:

* Is under 3 months with fever
* Is difficult to wake or unusually sleepy
* Has trouble breathing
* Has a seizure
* Has a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
* Is not drinking or passing urine
* ⁠Is vomiting repeatedly
* Or if you’re worried, parental instinct matters

🤍
You don’t need to be brave at home.
If something feels off, it’s always okay to have your child checked.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

For more information read my previous post on fever as well.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1F1Y1y3vwp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11/02/2026

INFLUENZA
(including Swine Flu H1N1)
What parents should know — and when to seek help

Influenza (flu), including the H1N1 “swine flu” strain from 2009 — is now part of the seasonal flu we see every year.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been seeing a number of flu cases in children requiring hospitalisation.
Colleagues treating adults are reporting the same trend.

This is an important reminder that flu is not “just a bad cold.”
Influenza can be a serious illness and may lead to complications such as:

* Sinusitis
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia

👶 Who is most at risk of complications?

* Very young children
* The elderly
* Children or adults with heart or lung conditions
* Pregnant women

🩺 Why early recognition and treatment matter:

The earlier influenza is identified and treated, the lower the risk of serious (and sometimes life-threatening) complications.
During flu season, healthcare providers should have a high index of suspicion and monitor for complications.

🔍 Common flu symptoms in children

* 🤒 Fever
* 😖 Body aches
* 🤧 Blocked or congested nose
* 😷 Cough
* 😮‍💨 Tight chest
* 💨 Shortness of breath
* 😴 Extreme tiredness
* 🤕 Headaches

🚨 When to go to the ER urgently or contact your paediatrician

Please seek emergency care if your child has:

* Refusing to drink for a prolonged time or signs of dehydration
* Persistent vomiting
* Difficulty breathing (fast breathing, working hard to breathe, shallow breathing)
* Very fast heartbeat that doesn’t settle once the fever comes down
* Behaviour changes (confusion, unusual irritability, reduced responsiveness)
* Febrile seizures, or a history of febrile seizures with fever that is difficult to control

# # 💉 Prevention

The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

Vaccination reduces:

* The risk of severe illness
* The risk of complications
* The need for hospitalisation

🤍 Final reminder for parents
This guide is here to support you, but it will never replace your gut instinct.
If something about your child worries you, it’s okay to seek medical help.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

30/01/2026

Sometimes the best advice comes from someone close; a gentle nudge from her sister-in-law, and now Bio-Strath Bare Necessities is part of Tamasile’s routine.

With 61 essential nutrients, it helps support your child’s immunity and overall health, offering gentle daily support as they navigate the year ahead.

Who would you recommend Bio-Strath Bare Necessities to? Tag them below.

Need the full product details? Click this link for product details:
https://bit.ly/Bio-StrathDisclaimers

30/01/2026

❤️Variety for Valentine's day❤️

17/01/2026