Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children

If your child has a serious illness, it’s important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.

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Looking after a sick child

Mild illnesses are common in children, but knowing about symptoms will help you care for your child and know whether their condition is more serious.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, although it can also occur in adults and is occasionally serious. Here’s how to help ease the symptoms.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease prevention

The best way to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease from spreading is to practise good hygiene.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms

How to look for the signs and symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease, as well as a more serious infection.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease treatment

There is no treatment to kill the coxsackievirus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease. The symptoms usually clear up in 7 to 10 days.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease based on age, symptoms and the appearance of sores. Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, are not usually needed.

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Kids' health

Discover more about health topics relevant to kids and their parents and carers, such as fever and high temperature, medicines, vomiting, mental health and chickenpox.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to treat illnesses. But if you do need to give your child medicine, here are some useful tips.

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Childhood illnesses

Many childhood diseases spread easily between family members and at schools. Read on to learn more about causes, symptoms, treatments and when to see a doctor.

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Herpesvirus infections

Links to information about herpesvirus infections.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects children under 5 years old, but can sometimes affect older children and adults.

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Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) — such as measles, mumps — can be prevented by an immunisation program. Learn more about VPDs in Australia.

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Shingles — infographic

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. This infographic provides you with information on the symptoms, treatments and vaccination.

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Fifth disease (Slapped cheek disease)

Fifth disease or 'slapped cheek disease' is a fairly mild viral illness that appears as a red rash that makes children’s cheeks look like they’ve been slapped.

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Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

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Rubella (German measles)

Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.

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How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

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What does measles rash look like?

There have been several confirmed cases of measles acquired by people returning from overseas. Here's what you need to know about potentially deadly measles.

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Roseola infantum

Roseola infantum (or roseola) is an infection that can cause a high fever followed by a rash. Find out more about causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Croup

Croup is very common in children under 5 years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.

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Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms and find the treatment that's best for you.

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Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

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Threadworms (pinworms)

Threadworms infect children when eggs are transferred from their hands to their mouths. Learn how to prevent and treat threadworm.

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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Known as ‘pink eye’, conjunctivitis is a contagious disease that turns the whites of the eye pink. Read about symptoms and treatments here.

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Scabies

Scabies is caused by a tiny bug that burrows under the skin, causing intense itching and sometimes a rash. Read more about scabies causes and treatment.

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School exclusion for health reasons

Kids with certain infectious diseases must stay away from school or childcare. Find out how exclusions work and when your child can return to school.

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Show your support for families living with childhood cancer

It's estimated that 700 kids are diagnosed with childhood cancer each year. Learn more about supporting families that are living with cancer.

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