Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder which affects up to one in 20 children. It is much more common in boys than girls.

Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicemia is a blood poisoning by the same germ. Both can develop very rapidly into life-threatening conditions.

Most children will catch chickenpox before they are 10 years old. It is a common and usually mild illness caused by a virus called Varicella zoster.

Young children and infants can’t control their body temperature as well as adults, so they quite often have a raised temperature (anything higher than 38 degrees Celcius).

Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses, that are passed to others by coughing and sneezing.

Head lice (Pediculus capitis) affects only humans, and cannot be passed on to, or caught from animals. Infestation with head lice is also known as pediculosis.

Many people do not realize it, but irritable bowel syndrome can also be a problem for children.