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In addition to medical advice, healthdirect Australia also offers information on various health topics, self-care tips, and resources for finding healthcare services in your area. Whether you have questions about symptoms, treatments, or general wellbeing, healthdirect Australia can provide the support and information you need to make informed decisions about your health.

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• If your child frequently falls ill, it could be a concern.
• Symptoms of sickness in children may include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Prevent the spread of illnesses by keeping your child at home when they are unwell.
• Ensure your child is immunized on time and teaches them good hygiene practices to stay healthy.
• If your child’s condition does not improve after 48 hours, consult a doctor.

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Identifying sickness in children can be challenging, but fever is a common indicator. Additional signs of illness include:

• Headache
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Sneezing or coughing
• Skin rash or diarrhea
• Glassy eyes
• Feeling drowsy, tired, or loss of appetite

Observing changes in your child’s breathing pattern could also signal sickness, such as shallow breaths or pauses in breathing.

Other signs include pale or mottled skin, decreased energy levels, and reluctance to engage in usual activities.

Evaluate the symptoms — Use the Symptom Checker tool to determine if professional medical assistance is required.

Importance of hydration: It is crucial to ensure your child stays hydrated when they are sick. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

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Discover symptoms of infectious diseases that can lead to serious illnesses in children.

For more information, you can visit the website of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

Fever in Children – Rahma Health

A fever is considered when the body temperature exceeds 38 degrees celsius.

Get detailed information on fevers from the Rahma Health website

Roseola infantum – Better Health Channel

Roseola is a gentle viral infection characterized by fever and rash that affects infants and young children.

For more insights, check out the Better Health Channel website

Parechovirus | Children’s Health Queensland

Explore how parechovirus spreads and the treatments available for it.

To learn more, visit the Queensland Health website

Infectious mononucleosis fact sheet | NSW Health

Infectious Mononucleosis commonly targets teenagers and young adults, spreading through saliva and causing symptoms like fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Find additional information on the NSW Health website

Typhoid and paratyphoid – Better Health Channel

Most cases of typhoid or paratyphoid fever in Australia are contracted overseas.

For more details, head to the Better Health Channel website

Fever in babies

Learn how to measure your baby’s temperature, understand what is considered normal, and what steps to take if your baby has a fever.

For a comprehensive guide, visit the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Influenza or flu: children & teenagers | Raising Children Network

Influenza, a viral illness, typically manifests as mild symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches in children.

For detailed information, check out the raisingchildren.net.au website

Infectious mononucleosis fact sheet | NSW Health

Infectious Mononucleosis primarily affects teenagers and young adults through saliva, resulting in fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Access more information directly from the NSW Health website

Strep Throat Symptoms and Related Conditions | Ausmed

Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection from group A Streptococcus bacteria affecting the throat and tonsils, potentially leading to scarlet fever and impetigo.

More insights can be found on the Ausmed Education website

Respiratory viruses fact sheet – Fact sheets

Respiratory viruses can cause illnesses impacting the nose, throat, and lungs, often presenting as mild cold or flu-like symptoms.

For detailed information, visit the NSW Health website

Influenza (flu) tests | Pathology Tests Explained

Influenza is a seasonal viral infection, usually occurring from mid-late autumn to spring.

To learn more, check out the Pathology Tests Explained website

Rat lung worm disease fact sheet – Fact sheets

Rat lung worm disease, a rare cause of meningitis in Australia, is associated with consuming infected snails and slugs.

For more detailed information, visit the NSW Health website

Gastroenteritis Symptoms, Spread and Prevention | Ausmed

Gastroenteritis, an infection or inflammation of the digestive system, is mostly contagious and can be caused by various factors.

Find out more from the Ausmed Education website

Murray Valley Encephalitis | Ausmed

The Murray Valley encephalitis virus was initially isolated in 1951, leading to past epidemics with few cases reported in recent years.

For further insights, visit the Ausmed Education website

Hyperglycaemia: A Diabetes Emergency | Ausmed

Hyperglycaemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood, often showing no symptoms until the levels are significantly elevated.

More information can be found on the Ausmed Education website

Blood culture | Pathology Tests Explained

Blood cultures are conducted to identify bacteria and yeasts in the blood using various methods for different types of bacteria.

For comprehensive details, visit the Pathology Tests Explained website

COVID-19 Guide – Immunisation Coalition

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Learn about its symptoms, complications, prevention, treatment, and vaccine efficacy and safety.

Access more information from the Immunisation Coalition website

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Knowing exactly what to do when your child comes home can be overwhelming. Try these tips to soothe symptoms.

Every parent encounters the dreaded call about a sick child during the academic year. Knowing the right steps can be overwhelming, from dietary choices to medication.

Here are six tips to help alleviate your child’s symptoms and aid in their recovery.

Give them a lukewarm bath

To reduce fever, opt for lukewarm baths instead of cold water. Consider using Johnson’s® Soothing Vapor Bath for a comforting bathing experience. For infants, a sponge bath or washcloths with lukewarm water can be beneficial.

Use medication carefully

Acetaminophen, present in Children’s Tylenol®, can help lower fever and relieve aches and pains.

Encourage fluids and rest

Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea can worsen symptoms. Ensure your child stays hydrated with water, diluted juice, electrolyte drinks, or sugar-free popsicles. Adequate rest is essential, and Zarbee’s® Children’s Sleep with Melatonin Gummies can aid in improving sleep quality.

Keep an eye on their diet

Offer easily digestible, nutritious foods like chicken noodle soup, soft fruits, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and crackers.

Use a humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier can help alleviate symptoms caused by dry air, such as sore throat, cough, and congestion.

Address lingering symptoms

Zarbee’s® provides drug-free products to support children’s health and wellness, created by pediatrician Dr. Zak Zarbock to promote family health.

Zarbee’s Kid’s Cough + Mucus Day/Night is a cough syrup free from drugs, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. It helps soothe coughs due to hoarseness, dry throats, and irritants. The nighttime syrup contains chamomile for a calming effect before bedtime.

*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Julia Nordgren, M.D., specializes in treating patients with cholesterol disorders, prediabetes, and childhood obesity. She pursued culinary education and graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Nordgren assists families in making intentional dietary choices and impactful lifestyle modifications.

Chef Nordgren’s The New Family Table incorporates global culinary influences, making diverse flavors like Indian, Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine accessible for families.

Cauliflower Tacos

Tacos, a beloved dish, are a staple in our family meals. These flavorful tacos are nutritious, featuring vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Ingredients:

• 12 (6-inch) whole-grain tortillas
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups riced cauliflower
• ½ cup water
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Ground pepper

Directions: Prepare toppings and heat tortillas. Cook onions, garlic, spices, cauliflower, beans, and tomatoes. Serve on warmed tortillas.

Weeknight Chickpea Curry

Preparing Indian cuisine can be time-intensive. Using a jar of curry paste simplifies creating these flavors on any night. Stocking coconut milk and chickpeas allows for easy preparation of this dish at any time.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 red or yellow pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 (4-ounce) jar red curry paste
• 2 (13.5-ounce) cans coconut milk
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

Directions: Saute shallot, pepper, garlic, and ginger. Add curry paste, coconut milk, and chickpeas. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Rob’s Almost-World-Famous Veggie Chili

My husband’s specialty is doing the dishes. Occasionally, he prepares his renowned chili while we happily take care of the cleanup. This chili tastes best when left to sit overnight.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ancho or chipotle chili powder
• 1 yellow pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• 3 to 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Directions: Saute onion, garlic, spices, peppers, carrots. Add stock, chickpeas, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer and serve.

Andrew’s Favorite Fajitas

Fajitas were a childhood favorite that has turned into a family tradition. Grilling pineapple adds an extra burst of flavor to the dish!

Ingredients:

Marinade Ingredients: Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper

Ingredients for Fajitas: Flank steak, pineapple, olive oil, onion, peppers, tortillas

Optional Adobo Sauce Ingredients: plain Greek yogurt, chipotle chili

Instructions: Marinate the steak and grill the pineapple. Saute the onion and peppers. Fill the tortillas with veggies, steak, and pineapple. If desired, top with adobo sauce.

Farro With Skillet-Roasted Tomatoes

Serves 6 as a side dish, 4 as a main course

Farro is a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal option. Perfect for leftovers the next day!

Ingredients: water, salt, farro, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, spinach, lemons, salt, pepper, goat or feta cheese

Instructions: Cook the farro. Saute the tomatoes and spinach. Mix in the farro, tomatoes, and spinach. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Kale Stew

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Coming from New England, I rely on hearty stews to endure the winter season. I introduced this recipe to my Dartmouth Culinary Medicine class, and it quickly became the students’ favorite meal. We cooked it on a cold, snowy night, and it was simply delightful.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
• 1 pound ground hot Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 bunch Lacinato kale
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sage, rosemary, and/or thyme. Include sausage, if preferred.
2. Add tomatoes, beans, and stock. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add kale. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Having a variety of soup recipes is like possessing a culinary superpower. You can create dishes with incredible flavors from basic, economical, nutrient-packed vegetables. This rings especially true for lentil soup. It is tasty, packed with fiber, and a hit with my kids.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup red lentils
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Saute onion, celery, and carrots. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, and cayenne. Stir in lentils and cook. Pour in stock and tomatoes. Simmer until lentils are tender.
2. Serve garnished with yogurt, cilantro, and lemon juice.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

This roasted salmon with farro and zesty parsley pesto recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight meal. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that can impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups farro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 salmon fillets
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 bunches parsley
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons

Instructions:

1. Cook farro. Brush salmon with olive oil, season, and roast. Toast pine nuts.
2. Serve salmon on farro with parsley pesto.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

A go-to recipe for a quick dinner is roasted lemon salmon served with steamed cauliflower or broccoli.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• Lemon slices

Instructions:

1. Brush salmon with oil, season, and top with lemon. Roast until cooked through.
2. Serve with lemon wedges.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Impress your taste buds with the Super 6 Sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious vegetable stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Scallions
• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Sriracha
• Vegetable oil
• Sesame oil
• Zucchini
• Carrot
• Onion

Instructions:

Whisk together ginger, garlic, and scallions with soy sauce, mirin, and Sriracha. Stir-fry vegetables in oil. Add sauce and serve over rice.

Recipe from The New Family Table by Julia Nordgren, M.D., Story Farm, 2019.