Common infectious illnesses

Illustration of a baby with a tissue being held up to their nose.

All adults, children and babies experience illnesses. We become protected from infections by either catching them or through vaccination.

Babies and young children get more colds than adults as their resistance to infections builds up over time. For babies born premature or sick, the risk of complications can be higher.

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How can I help my baby avoid infections?

Find out what you can do to help protect your baby against common infectious illnesses.

Illustration of baby with a tissue being held up to their nose.

What are the most common infectious illnesses?

This page will tell you about what the most common infectious illnesses are, their symptoms, how you can help, and when to call your GP.

What do I need to know?

If your baby was born premature or sick, find out what you need to know about common infectious illnesses and what to do if you are worried.

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I'm worried - what can I do?

Watching your baby fight an illness can be worrying and upsetting. Find out what you can do and who can help.

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Vaccinations

If your baby was born premature or sick, find out what you need to know about vaccinations.

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Winter illnesses FAQs

On this page are some common questions and answers for parents about winter illnesses and their babies.

Cartoon of baby coughing to illustrate symptom of RSV

Symptom spotting on darker skin tones

Spotting the symptoms of common illnesses can be more difficult with babies with darker skin tones. We have partnered with Black Mums Upfront and the Raham Project to…

Work in neonatal care?

Order our posters and flyers on common infectious illnesses, designed especially for neonatal units.

The information in this section is due for review in February 2026.