Common childhood illnesses and how to deal with them

Many of the illnesses below are preventable through the routine NHS childhood vaccination schedule. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella, and is given at 1 year and again at 3 years and 4 months. The 6-in-1 vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. Keeping up to date with appointments is the single best way to protect your child and others.^{[18]NHS vaccination schedule}

If your child has missed a vaccine, you can usually catch up. Contact your GP surgery — they can book the missing doses. The UKHSA Green Book gives health professionals the full evidence behind every vaccine on the schedule.^{[19]Green Book}

Chickenpox is very common and usually mild. It starts with small, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters and then crust over. Most children get it before secondary school. Keep your child cool, give plenty of fluids, use paracetamol for fever (do not use ibuprofen unless a doctor advises it), and trim nails to stop scratching. Contact your GP if spots become infected, if your child is very dehydrated, or if they are under 4 weeks old.^{[1]NHS chickenpox}

Measles begins with cold-like symptoms, then a high fever and a rash that starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading. It is highly infectious and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. If you suspect measles, call your GP or 111 — do not go to the surgery without warning because it spreads so easily. The MMR vaccine is the best protection.^{[2]NHS measles}

Mumps causes swollen glands at the side of the face, fever, headache and joint pain. Most cases are mild, but it can lead to meningitis or swelling of the testicles or ovaries. Stay home, rest and give fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen. Call your GP if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days.^{[3]NHS mumps}

Rubella (German measles) is usually a mild illness with a short-lived rash and swollen glands. It is serious in pregnancy because it can harm the baby, so keep a child with suspected rubella away from pregnant people who are not immune. Most people are protected by the MMR vaccine.^{[4]NHS rubella}

Hand, foot and mouth disease causes a sore throat, fever and small blisters on the hands, feet and inside the mouth. It is common in under-5s. Give fluids and soft foods, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever. It usually clears in 7–10 days. Keep your child away from nursery or school until they feel better.^{[7]NHS hand, foot and mouth}

Slapped cheek syndrome causes a bright red rash on the cheeks, followed by a lace-like rash on the body. It is usually mild in children, but it can be dangerous for pregnant women and people with blood disorders. If you are pregnant or have a blood condition and have been near a child with slapped cheek, contact your GP or midwife for advice.^{[8]NHS slapped cheek}

Whooping cough starts like a cold and then causes intense coughing bouts, sometimes with a “whoop” sound as the child breathes in. It can be dangerous for babies. Babies under 6 months and anyone struggling to breathe may need hospital care. Older children can usually recover at home with rest, fluids and small, frequent meals. Antibiotics may be given if whooping cough is diagnosed early.^{[5]NHS whooping cough}

Croup causes a distinctive barking cough and a harsh noise when breathing in (stridor). It is usually caused by a virus and is most common in young children. Cool, fresh air can help. Sit your child upright on your lap to ease breathing. Call 999 if the skin between their ribs pulls in with each breath, their lips turn blue, or they are too breathless to speak or cry.^{[14]NHS croup}

Tonsillitis gives a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen glands. It is usually viral and gets better on its own with fluids, rest and pain relief. A GP may prescribe antibiotics if a strep throat is confirmed. If your child has tonsillitis repeatedly, your GP may refer them to an ear, nose and throat specialist.^{[12]NHS tonsillitis}

Ear infections are common after a cold. Look for ear pain, pulling at the ear, fever and irritability. Many clear without antibiotics. Give paracetamol or ibuprofen, keep your child upright when possible, and place a warm flannel on the ear. See a GP if pain is severe, there is discharge from the ear, symptoms last more than 3 days, or your child is under 2 with both ears affected.^{[11]NHS ear infections}

Diarrhoea and vomiting in children is usually caused by a viral infection and clears in 1–2 days. The most important treatment is fluid. Give small sips of water or oral rehydration solution often. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to children unless a pharmacist or doctor says so. Keep your child off nursery or school for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.^{[13]NHS diarrhoea and vomiting}

Conjunctivitis makes the eye red, gritty and sticky. Clean the eye gently with cooled boiled water and cotton wool, wiping from the inside corner outward. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye. Wash hands frequently. Most cases clear in a few days. See a GP if a newborn has symptoms, the eye is very painful, or vision is affected.^{[10]NHS conjunctivitis}

A high temperature in a child is 38°C or above. Strip off extra clothing, give plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable. Check the temperature again after 30 minutes. Babies under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher need urgent medical advice.^{[20]NHS fever in children}

A febrile seizure is a fit caused by a high temperature. It can look frightening but is usually harmless. Place your child on their side on a soft surface, stay with them, and do not put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure. Call 999 if it lasts more than 5 minutes, or if your child is struggling to breathe or does not recover quickly. Call your GP if it is their first seizure or you are unsure.^{[15]NHS febrile seizures}

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be life-threatening. Symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (the glass test). In babies, look for a bulging soft spot, floppy body, high-pitched cry or refusal to feed.^{[16]NHS meningitis}

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming response to an infection. It is a medical emergency. A child may be breathing very fast, have a mottled or bluish skin, a rash that does not fade, be very drowsy or difficult to wake, have a weak high-pitched cry, or not pass urine. Trust your instincts — if your child seems seriously unwell, call 999.^{[17]NHS sepsis}

Most childhood illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids and simple pain relief. Keep your child off nursery or school while they have a fever or feel unwell. Offer small, frequent drinks to prevent dehydration. Use a digital thermometer to check temperature. Dress them in light clothing so they do not overheat. For babies, continue normal feeds and offer extra breastfeeds or cooled boiled water.

If you are not sure whether your child needs medical help, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day. They can advise whether to see a GP, go to a minor injuries unit, or call an ambulance. For urgent symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blue lips, a non-blanching rash, or a seizure, call 999 straight away.^{[21]NHS 111[22]When to call 999}

We can help you understand letters from your child’s school, GP, hospital or council about illness, absence or vaccinations. If English is not your first language, or you are unsure how to explain symptoms to a doctor, use our free Letter Support Service to scan or upload a letter and we will explain it clearly and help you reply.

We can also point you towards reliable NHS information, help you prepare questions for a GP appointment, and signpost you to the official NHS service finders, where you choose a service and then enter your postcode or location on the NHS website.