Illness

If your baby was ventilated, needed oxygen or was premature, they may be more at risk from infections which affect their breathing. It is not possible to completely protect your baby, but there are steps you can take to help minimise risk.

  • Washing hands regularly and encouraging others to do so.
  • Using disposable tissues to lessen the risk of spreading infection.
  • Clean toys, highchairs and bench tops regularly, germs can live for up to 48 hours on surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with people who are unwell.

Common illnesses

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV affects around two-thirds of all babies and children. It can cause cold like symptoms and cause breathing difficulties, if the lungs are affected. Most babies show symptoms during the colder months. If your baby was born prematurely, with a heart condition or is prone to getting lung infections, they could be at greater risk of becoming more seriously ill if they were to come in contact with RSV. 

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs which leads to a build up of mucus causing breathing difficulties. It is a common infection that affects babies and young children and can be caused by the RSV infection. 

Pneumonia

Commonly occurs after a cold, flu or illness, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. 

Influenza

The 'flu' is a viral infection of the lungs and upper airways. 

Hospital/Health Line 

  • Health Direct Australia: 1800 022 222 (Open 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day)
  • Armadale Health Service: 08 9391 2000
  • Fiona Stanley Hospital: 08 6152 2222
  • Fremantle Hospital: 08 9431 3333
  • Joondalup Health Campus: 08 9400 9400
  • KEMH (Maternity & Gynaecology only): 08 9340 2222
  • Peel Health Campus: 08 9531 8000
  • Princess Margaret Hospital for Children: 08 9340 8222
  • Rockingham General Hospital: 08 9599 4000
  • St John of God Hospital Murdoch: 08 9366 1111
  • Swan District Hospital Campus: 08 9347 5244

If your baby is unwell, please contact your GP or take them to the nearest emergency hospital.

Prevention

If you are wondering what steps you can take to minimise the risk of your baby/child becoming unwell please visit our 'Hygiene' page.