There are current cases of measles in Aotearoa New Zealand. Make sure tamariki and the whole whānau have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. Find out more
Colds, coughs and fevers are a normal part of childhood. Learn about:
Cough overview
Your child may develop a cough when they're sick, or cough for other reasons.
Fever
Young children sometimes develop a high temperature when they're sick.
Colds
A cold is a viral infection that typically affects the head and chest.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
COVID-19 or coronavirus is a very contagious disease that affects the lungs and airways.
Flu
The best way to protect your kids, yourself and your whānau from the flu is with a vaccination each year.
Croup
Croup is a virus that leads to swelling of the voice box and windpipe, narrowing the upper airway making it harder for your child to breath.
Sore throat
Sore throats are common in children and symptoms can range from a scratchy throat to painful swallowing.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common condition in the lungs that causes breathing problems in babies.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious illness that begins with strep throat and can damage your child’s heart.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in your child’s lungs that can cause breathing problems, a cough, and sometimes, fever.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract, a common cause of a cold.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough is a disease that can cause serious illness, especially in pēpi and young tamariki.
Breath holding spells
Breath-holding spells can be frightening, but they're common in children.
