Managing Common Illnesses

1. Fever (The Body's Defense)

A fever isn't an illness itself, but a sign that the immune system is working. In Australia, a temperature of 38°C or higher is generally considered a fever, with 37.5°C being the threshold for a low-grade fever.

  • Presentation: Flushed cheeks, skin that feels hot to the touch, irritability, or shivering.

  • Management: Focus on your child's comfort rather than just the number on the thermometer. Keep them hydrated with frequent small sips of water or breastmilk/formula. Use paracetamol (e.g., Panadol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) according to the dosage on the bottle for their weight.

  • The "3-Month Rule": Any baby under 3 months old with a fever of 38°C or higher must be seen by a doctor immediately.

2. Gastroenteritis (Gastro)

Gastro is an infection of the digestive tract. The biggest risk for children is dehydration.

  • Presentation: Sudden onset of vomiting, followed by watery diarrhea and stomach cramps.

  • Management: Do not stop breastfeeding or formula. For older children, use oral rehydration solutions (like Gastrolyt or Hydralyte) rather than just plain water or juice. Offer 5–10ml every 5–10 minutes if they are vomiting.

  • Red Flags: No wet nappies for 6+ hours, sunken eyes, a dry tongue, or if they are very lethargic.

3. Croup

Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling around the vocal cords and windpipe.

  • Presentation: It usually starts with a normal cold but develops into a characteristic "barking" cough (often compared to a seal's bark) and a raspy sound when breathing in, called stridor. It is almost always worse at night.

  • Management: Stay calm; if the parent is anxious, the child will become more distressed, which makes breathing harder. Comfort them in an upright position.

  • Red Flags: If your child is struggling to breathe, the skin is sucking in around their ribs or throat (retractions), or if they turn blue/pale, call 000.

4. Otitis Media (Ear Infections)

This is very common after a cold because the tubes in a child's ears are smaller and more horizontal than an adult's.

  • Presentation: Tugging at the ears, waking up crying, fluid leaking from the ear, or a sudden fever.

  • Management: Most ear infections are viral and clear up on their own, but they are painful. Regular pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is the primary treatment. Your GP will decide if antibiotics are necessary, usually if it doesn't improve after 48 hours.

5. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

A mild but highly contagious viral infection common in childcare settings.

  • Presentation: Small blisters in the mouth and a rash (usually small red spots or blisters) on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the nappy area.

  • Management: There is no specific treatment. Manage the fever and ensure they are drinking enough, as mouth blisters can make swallowing painful. Offer soft, cool foods like yogurt or jelly.

When to Call an Ambulance (000)

As a parent, your "gut feeling" is a valid clinical tool. Seek emergency care if you notice:

  • Difficulty breathing: Grunting sounds, blue lips, or skin "sucking in" with every breath.

  • Non-blanching rash: A rash that does not disappear when you press a clear glass against it (a sign of potential meningitis).

  • Seizures: Especially if it is their first "febrile convulsion" (a fit caused by a rapid change in temperature).

  • Unresponsiveness: If you cannot wake them or they are extremely floppy.

Australian Resources & Support

Key References