Baby Coughs, Colds and More
Our handy reference table for common childhood illnesses will help you to work out your best course of action when your child is unwell.
| Illness | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Bronchiolitis * Usually affects babies in their first 12 months. * Viral respiratory infection * Passes via coughing, sneezing and direct contact (eg tissues.) |
* Runny nose, sneezing and fever * Cough develops over a couple of days. * Wheeze on outward breath. * Difficulty breathing – laboured breath with chest rising more than normal. |
* Visit your Doctor for advice * If your baby is having trouble breathing seek urgent medical assistance. |
| Chicken Pox (Varicella-zoster virus) * Highly contagious * Spread through direct contact with person or lesion or droplets from coughing or sneezing * Contagious period from 2 days before the rash develops until all blisters have formed a dry scab. * Incubation period is 10-21 days after exposure. * Avoid contact with pregnant women. |
* Fever, sore throat and headache. * An itchy skin rash over the whole body. * Rash-small blisters surrounded by pink areas. * Blisters will gradually burst and form a scab (about 5 days after appearing). * Blisters may appear in the mouth. |
Treat the symptoms: * Give Paracetamol/Ibuprofen * Cool baths * Cool cloth compresses * Topical cream (ask your pharmacist for advice) Complications can arise – see your Doctor if concerned. |
| Common Cold * Upper respiratory Tract Infection * Sneezing coughing * Direct contact * Contagious until symptoms clear |
Any or all of: * Blocked or runny nose * Sneezing * Sore throat * Cough * Headache * Fever |
Treat the symptoms: * Plenty of fluids * Give Paracetamol/Ibuprofen * Nasal spray or drops. Ask your pharmacist for advice Visit your doctor if: * Ongoing high fever * Breathing difficulties * Intense headache * Stiff neck * Lethargic |
| Conjunctivitis * Inflammation of the membranes in the eye. * Highly contagious and can be passed via hand to eye contact or via cloth to cloth. * Incubation period is a few days up to a week. |
* Discharge from the eye, white or yellow in colour. * Eyes may be stuck together after sleeping. * Eyes may be itchy and irritable. * May appear blood shot. |
* Seek medical advice; antibiotic drops may be necessary * Use a sterile cloth or fresh cotton wool that is moistened with saline solution and bath the eye from the outside in towards the nose. * Wash your hands after each treatment. * Do not share towels or cloths while discharge is present. |
| Constipation * Breastfed babies rarely become constipated- it is not unusual to have 7-10 days between bowel motions. * More likely to occur in bottle fed babies * Older children can be constipated after the introduction of new foods as their bodies adapt to it. |
* Infrequent stools and * Difficulty passing stool and * Hard pellet like stools and * Pain on passing a stool and occasional bleeding from the rectum. |
* Increase fluids * A warm bath * Raise legs and gently move up and down * Increase fibrous foods (older children) * Regular exercise * Allow time to sit on the toilet with no pressure or time constraints * Massage the stomach area * If this is a regular problem seek medical advice |
| Cough * Usually part of, or follows on from, an URTI. * Contagious until symptoms clear. |
* The cough may be dry or produce mucous * Similar to a cold * Look for signs of whooping cough, croup, bronchiolitis or pneumonia. |
* Increase fluids * If a bacterial infection is present; antibiotics may be used. * See your doctor if symptoms persist or you’re concerned. |
| Cradle Cap * An oily secretion from the scalp. |
* Yellow crust or scale on scalp. * May have an unpleasant odour. |
* Soften the crust with a mild moisturizer or oil. * Leave on overnight and wash off. The crust may need to be assisted off the scalp with gentle rubbing or by using a fine tooth comb. |
| Croup * A viral illness causing acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. * Commonly affects young children and babies. * Involves airways becoming swollen and narrow * Passed via coughing and sneezing * Symptoms peak on 2nd or 3rd day. |
* General cold symptoms at first * Barking cough (sounds like a seal) * Hoarse voice * Breathing is noisy. * Symptoms are usually worse at night. Severe symptoms include: * Difficulty breathing * High fever and drooling |
* Initial treatment is to place the child into a steamy room. Run the hot taps in the bathroom or laundry. Beware of scalds. * See your doctor if you suspect croup. * If it is a severe attack call an ambulance (000 AUS or 111 NZ). * Sleeping close by to your child is often a good idea. |
| Dehydration * Can occur very quickly in babies as a result of repeated vomiting, diarrhea, heat stroke or heat exhaustion. |
* Listless and apathetic * Eyes and fontanelle will appear sunken * Urine output is decreased * Skin will remain gathered after being pinched * Dry mouth with increased thirst. |
* Seek urgent medical attention. * Try to maintain or increase the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration from occurring. * Give electrolyte solution. |
| Diarrhoea * A viral or bacterial infection that can be passed via hand to hand contact. |
* Cramp and abdominal pain. * Loose and explosive bowel motions. * Frequent watery motions * May be discoloured * Possible dehydration |
* Seek medical advice. * Be vigilant with hand washing hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. * Continue to breastfeed and maintain fluid levels. * Give electrolyte solution. To older children. |
| Ear infection * Usually a viral infection with occasional secondary bacterial infection. * Often follows a cold (URTI) * Inflammation of the lining of the middle ear. |
* Ear pain * Fever * Irritability * Loss of appetite |
* See your Doctor for advice. * Antibiotics are only useful if it is a bacterial infection. * Treat the symptoms * Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help * Warm compress on the ear |
| Febrile Convulsion * These occur in a small percentage of babies and can be brought on by a sudden rise in temperature. |
* Loss of consciousness or awareness. * Body becomes stiff or floppy. * Body begins to twitch or jerk. * Your child may be disoriented or drowsy after the fit has finished. |
Your immediate reaction: * Remove anything that may cause injury. * Stay with your child. * Place in the recovery position * Seek medical advice. Call an ambulance if: * Your child has difficulty breathing * Remains unconscious after the fit has finished * If the fit lasts longer than 5 minutes * If your child has a second fit following the first. |
| Fever * May be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. * Young babies can have a fever from being over heated. * Occasionally follows routine immunizations. |
* Your baby is considered to have a fever when your baby’s temperature rises above 37.5oC * High temperature is considered to be over 39oC * Baby may feel hot to touch. * Baby may shiver or feel very hot. * Rapid rise in temperature or prolonged high fever may cause a febrile convulsion. |
* Treat the symptoms with
paracetamol or ibuprofen to make your child comfortable. * Remove excess layers of clothing. * Bath with a tepid sponge/cloth (water should be around 37oC) * Increase fluids Seek medical advice if * Your newborn presents with a fever. * A high fever is present or, * Has difficulty breathing or, * Is lethargic and non-responsive or, * Has a rash * You are concerned. |
| Flu (Influenza) * Sneezing coughing * Direct contact * Contagious until symptoms clear |
Symptoms may include: * High Fever * Chills and sweating * Headache * Weak and tired * Joint pain * Loss of appetite * Chesty cough |
Treat the symptoms: * Plenty of fluids * Give Paracetamol/Ibuprofen * Nasal spray or drops. Ask your pharmacist for advice Visit your doctor if: * Ongoing high fever * Breathing difficulties * Intense headache * Stiff neck * Lethargic * You are concerned in any way |
| Gastroenteritis * This can be a viral or bacterial infection. * Can be a serious disease in young babies due to dehydration. |
* Vomiting and diarrhoea * Abdominal pain and cramps. * Fever * Dehydration can result. * May have blood in the stool. |
* Continue to breastfeed and offer extra water or electrolyte solution. * Replace formula with water or electrolyte solution until vomiting stops. Seek medical attention if: * Symptoms persist for more than 24 hours * You suspect dehydration * You are concerned in any way Be vigilant with hand washing. |
| Impetigo (School sores) * A bacterial skin infection. * Highly contagious via direct contact until sores have dried completely (around 3-5 days). * Bacteria usually enters the skin via a cut, insect bite or other sore. |
* Begins as small blisters. * These burst and form a crust. |
* Consult your Doctor. * Often antibiotic ointment and medicines are prescribed. * Cover weeping sores with a non-stick dressing. * Be vigilant with hand washing. * Wash bedding and clothing daily |
| Influenza * A viral infection spread by coughing and sneezing from infected persons. * Symptoms develop 1-3 days following exposure. |
* Fever * Cough (dry or with mucous) * Muscle and joint pain * Weak and lethargic * Headache * Loss of appetite. * Symptoms may last for 7-10 days. * Dehydration can occur quickly |
* Treat the symptoms with
paracetamol or ibuprofen to make your child comfortable. * Increase fluids. * Watch for signs of secondary infection- repeat of fever, sore ears, pneumonia. * Be vigilant with hand washing. * Contact your doctor if you your child does not improve or you have any concerns. |
| Meningococcal Meningitis * Highly contagious * Acute bacterial infection * Life threatening * Inflammation of the spinal cord and brain * Followed by Septicemia (blood poisoning) * Passed by coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing drinks and food. |
Not all of these symptoms may be present: * Severe headache * Fever (that may not respond to paracetamol) * High pitched cry * Fatigue, drowsy, lethargic * Stiff or painful neck * Sensitivity to light * Fontanelle bulges * Convulsions. More serious symptoms: * Vomiting * Cold hands and feet * Cold shivers * Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen * Rapid breathing * Diarrhea * Later stages, a pinprick or purple bruise-like rash |
* Seek urgent medical assistance * If you suspect Meningococcal Meningitis insist on rapid treatment * Vaccination is available as part of the routine immunization schedule Prevention includes: * avoid sharing cups and eating utensils and toothbrushes * Babies and toddlers should be discouraged from sharing toys that have saliva on them. * Do not share a dummy or allow anyone to place it in their mouth to clean it. |
| Molluscum contagiosum * A viral infection * Highly contagious via contact with shared water (bath or pool). |
* Small raised spots that appear similar to small warts. Spots will usually last for about 3-6 months. | * No treatment is necessary as these will clear up by themselves. * Contact your doctor for confirmation. |
| Non- Specific Viral Rash * Caused by a viral infection. |
* Usually appears as a red rash across the body. * Usually lasts only a few days. * May be accompanied by other symptoms. |
* Confirm with your doctor. |
| Pneumococcal Meningitis * A Bacterial Infection passed via Sneezing , Coughing and saliva transfer * Vaccination can help prevent the risk of infection. See our Immunisation Chart. |
Your child may present with some or all of the following: * Fever * High Pitched cry in babies * Sensitivity to bright light * Vomiting * Headache * Stiff neck * Bulging fonatanelle in infants * Joint and/or muscle pain * Irritability * Drowsy/disoriented * Loss of consciousness |
* Seek urgent medical attention |
| Roseola * A viral infection |
* High fever for about 3 days * Loss of appetite. * Swollen lymph glands in the neck * Followed by a rash (pink/red spots) all over the body. |
* Contact your doctor for confirmation of the rash. * Manage the symptoms with paracetamol/ibuprofen and cool sponges. * Increase fluids |
| Rubella (German Measles) * A viral infection * Can have serious consequences if a pregnant woman comes into contact with Rubella for her developing baby. * Highly contagious via coughing or sneezing or direct contact. * Infectious period is 7 days from before onset of the rash and up to 7 days after the onset of the rash. * Incubation period is 15-20 days. |
* Mild fever * Mild rash on body, neck and face. * Joint pain * Swollen glands * Headache, cough, cold. |
A vaccination is available as part of the routine immunisation schedule to prevent the disease. * Make comfortable with paracetamol/ibuprofen. * Increase fluids. |
| Threadworm * A parasite infestation. * Also known as pinworm. * Infection occurs after ingesting a pinworm egg. * Worm eggs can survive outside the body for up to 14 days, usually in dirt or dust. |
* Itchy bottom * Loss of appetite or fussy eating * Worms may be visible in stools or from the anus at night |
* Seek medical advice * Be vigilant with hand washing. |
| Thrush * A fungal infection. * Caused by the abnormal growth of yeast, Candida albicans. * Infection can be transmitted by direct contact. |
Oral Thrush: * Sores inside the mouth. * A build up of cottage cheese like discharge from the mouth. Topical rash: * Often occurs in the nappy region and folds of the skin nearby. * Distinct red inflamed rash * White spots (pustules) may be present |
Seek medical advice. Oral Thrush: * Antifungal drops or gel by prescription * Your nipples may be infected as well so should be treated. * Teats from bottles may need to be discarded or will need to be thoroughly sterilized. Topical rash: * Your doctor may prescribe an anti fungal cream. Follow their directions. * Allow nappy free time. * Use a nappy that draws urine away from baby’s skin. |
| Urinary Tract Infection * A bacterial infection. * Occurs more frequently in girls. * Untreated UTI can cause damage to the kidneys. * To prevent infection always wipe from front to back during a nappy change. |
* Unexplained high fever * Increased urine output. * Painful or burning sensation with urination * Offensive odour * Older children may have daytime and nighttime accidents. * Can only be confirmed by a urine analysis. |
* Seek medical advice. * A urine sample will need to be taken. * Antibiotics may be necessary * Increase fluids. * Follow up investigations may be warranted. |
| Vomiting * Usually caused by a viral infection. * The main concern for an infant or child suffering from vomiting is dehydration. |
* Stomach cramps followed by an episode of vomiting. * Often accompanied by diarrhoea. More serious symptoms that need urgent medical attention: * Vomiting after a head injury * Vomit is bright yellow or green * Vomit contains blood * Constant stomach pain * High fever is present * Dehydration is evident |
* Continue to breastfeed and offer extra water or electrolyte solution. * Replace formula with water or electrolyte solution until vomiting stops. Seek medical attention if: * Symptoms persist for more than 24 hours * Your child is unable to retain clear fluids. * You suspect dehydration * You are concerned in any way. * Be vigilant with hand washing. |
| Whooping Cough (Pertussis) * A bacterial infection * Highly contagious to an un-immunised child. * Spread via sneezing, coughing and direct contact * Contagious period is from onset of symptoms to no symptoms are present (up to 3 months) * Incubation period is 5 – 15 days after contact with an infected person. |
* Initial symptoms are similar to a common cold. * Cough develops where child may have a coughing spasm lasting for a minute or more. * Characteristic “whooping” sound as the child tries to draw breath. * Difficulty breathing * Face may turn red or blue * May vomit after an attack. * May have no other symptoms between attacks. |
* Seek medical advice * Prevention through the routine immunisation schedule is recommended. |
16/09/21 -
min Read
Last Published* December, 2022
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
