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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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

Find out how to best care for your child, make things easier for yourself and deal with minor accidents, plus where to go for expert help.

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Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to get over an illness, but if you do need to give medicine, here are some useful tips.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, but can also occur in adults. Here’s how to help ease symptoms and discomfort.

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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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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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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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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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Herpesvirus infections

Links to information about herpesvirus infections.

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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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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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Whooping cough treatments

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Learn more about treatment options available.

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Whooping cough causes and diagnosis

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection passed on through close personal contact, sneezing and coughing. Find out more about its diagnosis.

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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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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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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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Croup

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

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Whooping cough prevention

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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Whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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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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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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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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Streptococcal disease

Streptococcal disease is an infection which typically causes minor problems that are treated with antibiotics. Find links to trusted information about the disease 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. Here’s how to prevent spreading it.

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Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's very common and affects mainly children.

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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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