All ages

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes cough, fever and problems with breathing. Most tamariki (children) make a complete recovery from pneumonia.

Call Healthline free. If you need advice about a child who is unwell, call 0800 611 116 anytime. For COVID-19 health advice call 0800 358 5453 anytime. For COVID-19 vaccination advice call 0800 29 29 26 (8am - 8pm 7 days a week). 

The most common reason for a child to have a raised temperature is because they are fighting off an infection.

Financial support may be available because of your child's extra needs. 

Colds and fever are a normal part of childhood. Sometimes families worry about missing a more serious illness. Knowing your child and seeing a change in their behaviour could be the most important clue to how sick they are.

If you receive news that your child has special needs, you may experience a range of emotions. Remember, there are services available when you want or need help.

This set of principles describe how healthcare providers should meet your child or young person's particular needs during every phase of healthcare and disability support.

If your child seems to be having trouble seeing clearly, they need a vision check.

Whooping cough can make pēpi very sick and some pēpi can die. Having whooping cough immunisation in pregnancy protects pēpi in their first weeks of life. Start immunising pēpi the day they turn 6 weeks old to keep protecting them.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness affecting young tamariki (children). The most striking feature is a high fever that comes and goes for at least 5 days. If you think your child might have Kawasaki disease, you should take them to your doctor straightaway.

Rheumatic fever is a serious illness. It often starts with a sore throat. Without treatment, some sore throats can cause rheumatic fever which can lead to heart damage. 

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep may be a sign that your child is having difficulty breathing. The medical name for this is obstructive sleep apnoea.

If your child has a long-term disability, a needs assessment is a step towards getting support or services for your child and family.

If your child has speech or language difficulties or has trouble following instructions, they may have a hearing problem. Other signs include if they are easily distracted or have difficulty paying attention in class.

Screening for some vision problems for your child should happen around 11 or 12 years of age. Your child will not have their hearing checked at school so if you are concerned about your child's hearing, it's important that you visit your family doctor.