Access free service from healthdirect Australia where you can consult with a nurse or doctor for advice.

What to Look Out For:

• Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea may indicate sickness in a child.
• Keeping the child at home from school or day care can help prevent the spread of illnesses.
• Ensuring timely vaccinations and teaching good hygiene practices can promote health.
• If the child’s symptoms persist for more than 2 days, it is advisable to seek medical consultation.
• Encouraging the child to wash their hands regularly can reduce the risk of getting sick.
• Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can strengthen the child’s immune system.
• Monitoring the child’s temperature and symptoms can help determine the severity of illness.

Signs of Sickness

Children may display signs like fever, headache, runny nose, coughing, rash, and reduced energy levels when sick.

Additional symptoms to watch out for include changes in breathing, pale skin, or lack of interest in usual activities.

If concerned, use the Symptom Checker to assess whether medical attention is necessary.

It is important to monitor a sick child’s temperature regularly and provide appropriate medication as advised by a healthcare professional. Encourage plenty of rest, fluid intake, and nutritious foods to support the child’s recovery.

Preventing the Spread of Common Childhood Illnesses

Close contact during play can easily transmit common illnesses among young children.

Basic hygiene practices like covering the mouth when sneezing, washing hands properly, and promoting overall hygiene can help prevent the spread of germs.

Immediate Medical Attention Required

If a child experiences difficulty breathing, it is essential to call emergency services immediately.

Allergies can sometimes mimic cold symptoms, and in case of suspicion, a doctor can arrange for allergy testing.

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) demand urgent medical attention.

Keeping the Child at Home

If a child manifests symptoms like high temperature, vomiting, runny nose, or rash, it is advisable to keep them at home until symptoms alleviate.

Watch out for signs like lethargy, poor feeding, reduced urine output, or irritability to determine if the child should remain at home.

Consult a Doctor

If the child’s symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, seeking medical advice is recommended.

Signs warranting medical attention include continuous vomiting, high fever, refusal to drink fluids, rash, or decreased urine output.

Utilize the Service Finder to locate medical services if needed.

In case of any concerns about the child’s health, consulting a doctor is crucial.

Recognizing Meningitis Rash Symptoms

If a child displays symptoms of meningitis rash, seeking immediate medical help is imperative.

Signs requiring urgent care include paleness, breathing difficulties, fever with back or neck pain, or rash that does not fade under pressure.

Young infants are at higher risk for meningitis, hence special care is necessary.

If the child is less than 1 month old and has a fever, immediate hospital care should be sought.

If the child is less than 3 months old, consulting a doctor is advised in case of poor feeding or fever.

It is also important to monitor the child for any signs of meningitis, such as a stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light, or confusion. If any of these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.

Assisting the Child’s Recovery

The best way to aid the child’s recovery is by allowing them to rest at home.

Offering ample fluids to prevent dehydration and administering paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage fever or discomfort is beneficial.

Extra attention, cuddles, and support are often required by children when they are unwell.

Regular exercise is also important for building a strong immune system in children.

Encouraging children to wash their hands frequently can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illnesses.

Teaching proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, can also help prevent the spread of illness.

It is important to keep up to date with recommended vaccinations to protect children from serious illnesses.

Checking Vaccination Records

Review the child’s vaccination records on the myGov website.

If any vaccinations have been missed, consulting a doctor for catch-up doses is advised.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule determines the vaccine doses required based on age and other factors.

It is important to keep a record of all vaccinations received by the child for future reference and to ensure they are up to date with their immunizations.

Regularly checking and updating vaccination records helps protect not only the child but also the community by preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Tips for Recovery

Monitoring Child’s Sleep and Appetite

Allowing the child to rest is crucial for recovery. Watch for changes in sleep patterns and appetite, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Medication for Minor Illnesses

Minor illnesses often do not demand medication. Paracetamol or ibuprofen should only be used for fever or discomfort. Always check the dosage instructions carefully before administering any medication.

Information in Different Languages

Explore resources on managing viral illnesses in children in various languages.

Contact the healthdirect helpline or NURSE-ON-CALL for assistance.

Trusted Information Partners

Find more detailed information on this topic from reliable information partners.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

Learn how to identify signs of illness in children and when to seek medical advice or call for an ambulance.

Explore more on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website.

Fever and Infection

Fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off illness and infections.

Discover more on the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website.

If you are worried, unable to see the doctor promptly, or have minor injuries, make a visit.
Concerned but not in a life-threatening situation? Reach out to your child’s healthcare provider for guidance. Use a nurse hotline if necessary.
Prepare for medical issues by understanding your healthcare options beforehand. These may include your child’s provider, recommended emergency department, poison control center, telehealth advice line, urgent care clinic, and walk-in medical center.
Learn about child emergency options such as the emergency room and urgent care, and know when to seek help.
Check the American College of Emergency Physicians’ website for guidelines on seeking medical assistance.
This information was last reviewed by medical professionals on 20 November 2024, and A.D.A.M., Inc. is a trusted health content provider accredited by URAC.