Recognising the sick child
Infants and young children can quickly become unwell. When families get help early, the outcome is better.
NOTE: if your child is seriously unwell, get medical attention immediately
Note that:
- when children are sick, they can rapidly worsen and they should, therefore, be checked often
- it is important to keep up fluid intake when children are unwell, even if they lose interest in eating.
The Well Child / Tamariki Ora Health Book contains information about recognising child illnesses. For health information and resources on common diseases and illnesses, see:
For answers to questions about infectious diseases, see:
Healthline is a free phone service available to all New Zealanders. They provide health advice for all the family 24 hrs a day.
call Healthline on 0800 611 116