New figures from NHS England show that there was a large increase in online searches about childhood illnesses in 2024.
The illnesses most commonly searched by worried parents and carers included hand, foot and mouth disease, scarlet fever and slapped cheek syndrome. There were also 2 million visits to advice on rashes in babies and children in 2024 and another 2 million to the page on chickenpox.
Although these are all common childhood illnesses, it can be worrying when your child is experiencing symptoms.
In South Yorkshire, the South Yorkshire Healthier Together website has a host of information and resources to support the health of pregnant women, babies, children and young people. The site has information on common childhood illnesses and injuries, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last.
Nicola Ennis, South Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Alliance Programme Director, said: “When your child is poorly, or is showing new symptoms, it can be stressful, and parents don’t always know the best action to take. That’s where our website comes in, it has a range of information, advice and signposting to help you manage common childhood illnesses and injuries.
“Many childhood illnesses are common and can be treated easily, our website will advise the best healthcare professional to help your child and has sign posting to services across South Yorkshire.”
The website is developed by the South Yorkshire Children’s and Young People’s Alliance, with content checked and approved by doctors, midwives and health professionals from across South Yorkshire and nationally.
Visit the Healthier Together website here Home :: Healthier Together.