Baby boy having oxygen in hospital

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus in the winter and spring months in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is one of many viruses that cause infections of the respiratory tract - the parts of the body related to breathing. Most older children have symptoms similar to a cold. Some babies and young children become seriously ill and need hospital care.

Baby with oxygen tube having trouble breathing

Signs That Children Are Struggling To Breathe

Check the signs that show your child is struggling to breathe. Know the different noises that babies or children can make when they are struggling to breathe.

Bronchiolitis New Zealand

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a chest condition that causes breathing problems in babies. It's caused by a virus - often respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or rhinovirus. Bronchiolitis is very easy to catch so wash your hands before and after handling your baby.

Boy coughing into his elbow

Cough In Children

Coughing is common in children, especially when they are preschool age. A cough that lasts longer than 4 weeks is not normal and may be a sign of chest disease.

Boy opening curtains

Keeping Your Home Warm & Dry

Keeping your family healthy over winter means keeping your home warm and dry. Check out all the tips in the videos about how to keep your home warm and dry. Find out what support is available. 

Sick young boy lying in bed with a thermometer in his mouth and his mother's hand on his forehead

Fever

Fevers are common in children. Fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously sick. Even an ordinary cold can cause a high fever.