Childhood illnesses
Childhood illnesses
Introduction
Being sick is part of childhood, and caring for a sick child is part of being a parent. You might worry about a rash or wonder if a cough is getting worse. Many of the diseases listed on this page spread easily between family members, at day-care centres and at schools. Thankfully some of them are preventable via immunisation. Read on to learn about causes, symptoms and when to see a doctor.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, but can also occur in adults. Here’s how to help ease symptoms and discomfort.
Coughs, colds and ear infections in children
It’s normal for a child to have eight or more colds a year. Read this article to find out more about common childhood ailments.
Croup
Croup is very common in children under five years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.
Diarrhoea and vomiting in children
These helpful tips can explain some of the causes of diarrhoea and vomiting in children and show you how to alleviate the symptoms.
Fever in children
Does your child have a high temperature? Here’s how to make them more comfortable, and when to seek urgent medical attention.
Food allergies in children
Is there a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergies in your family? Learn about food allergies in children and how to spot a reaction.
Measles
Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or had it before, but it's most common in children. Learn more about this illness.
Mumps
Mumps is an uncommon but contagious viral infection. This article explains what to look out for.
Rubella
Rubella (also known as 'German measles') is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatment...
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection and most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot symptoms and protect infants.
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Found 752 results
Signs of serious childhood illness | Raising Children Network
How do you know when your child is really sick? Read this guide to signs of serious childhood illness for advice on when to go to hospital or see a doctor.
Read more on Raising Children Network website
Serious childhood illnesses: what to do | Raising Children Network
How do you know if your baby or young child is really sick? This guide helps you recognise signs of serious childhood illnesses and explains what to do.
Read more on Raising Children Network website
Scarlet fever (Scarlatina) | myVMC
Scarlet fever was once a very serious childhood disease, but now is easily treatable
Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website
Otitis media in children - myDr.com.au
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood illness that typically causes earache and fever.
Read more on myDr website
Parenting and Child Health - Health Topics - Chronic childhood illness managing the emotional impact
Sometimes children have an illness that is not 'curable' but continues on into adulthood. Coping with chronic childhood illness can be very difficult at first, not only for the child, but for the whole family. In addition to the child's physical health and medical needs, you need to manage the feelings that come with all the changes and health issues.
Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website
Parenting and Child Health - Health Topics - Chronic childhood illness managing the emotional impact
Sometimes children have an illness that is not 'curable' but continues on into adulthood. Coping with chronic childhood illness can be very difficult at first, not only for the child, but for the whole family. In addition to the child's physical health and medical needs, you need to manage the feelings that come with all the changes and health issues.
Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website
How to tell if your child is sick
Here is some helpful guidance on how to tell if your child is unwell, common symptoms for childhood illnesses and when you should seek further advice.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Hand, foot and mouth disease | Raising Children Network
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness. It comes up as mouth ulcers and blisters on your childs hands and feet. Its usually harmless.
Read more on Raising Children Network website
Hand, foot and mouth disease - myDr.com.au
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness causing mouth sores and a skin rash. Read about the symptoms, treatment and how to prevent infection by this viral illness.
Read more on myDr website
Definitions of childhood trauma and child abuse
Child abuse includes sexual, emotional and physical abuse as well as living with domestic violence in childhood; childhood trauma is a broader term.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Found 220 results
Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy for children younger than five years of age | Cochrane
Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy for children younger than five years of age
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
Early childhood
Advice for workers in the early childhood area, to help you to assist children and families where a parent experiences a mental illness.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
Definitions of childhood trauma and child abuse
Child abuse includes sexual, emotional and physical abuse as well as living with domestic violence in childhood; childhood trauma is a broader term.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Fact sheet: adult survivors of childhood trauma & abuse
Towards Recovery: a fact sheet for adults who have experienced childhood trauma and abuse and are seeking information, resources, tools and support.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Many factors affect resilience from childhood trauma
Information that explores the nature of resilience and the mediating factors around childhood trauma and child abuse and their impacts on different people.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
General information about childhood trauma and abuse
Access to general information for diverse groups affected by childhood trauma and child abuse, including survivors, their supporters and professionals.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Blue Knot Day 24 October 2016 childhood trauma awareness
Blue Knot Day: Blue Knot Foundation's national awareness day. All Australians unite in support of adult survivors of childhood trauma. Recovery is possible.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Resources for groups affected by childhood trauma & abuse
Blue Knot Foundation provides online resources on child abuse & trauma for survivors, families, friends, health & legal professionals & organisations.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Access Blue Knot Foundation professional publications
Major publications include the 2012 Practice Guidelines and 2015 Economic Report on cost of unresolved childhood trauma and abuse in adults in Australia.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
Understanding adult coping strategies
Information which provides an understanding of the adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies used by adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse.
Read more on Blue Knot Foundation website
