Kids Health Info

Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of those things that seems to always be "going around". In fact, it's one of our most asked about topics. In this episode, Lexi speaks with Dr Gabrielle Haeusler, an infectious diseases specialist, to understand the signs of HFMD and discuss some prevention and treatment strategies. Click here to read our RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet on Hand, foot and mouth disease.

When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it has a profound impact on their life and family. Diabetes requires strict management every single day. Added to that burden is the confusion and misunderstanding that others might have about the disease and its cause. In this episode, Margie and Lexi are joined by Professor Fergus Cameron, Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes at The Royal Children's Hospital, and Sarah, whose son Finn was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 15 months of age. Together they explore the medical aspects of Type 1 diabetes, what it means for children getting on with learning, play and life, and what the future holds with advances in diabetes management.  For more information, including the warning signs of diabetes in children, please see our Kids Health Info fact sheet on diabetes. The Royal Children's Hospital has a dedicated website for children and families living with diabetes. You can also learn more about living with diabetes at the Diabetes Victoria website.

Growing up can be tiring work. But what's the difference between general tiredness in children and young people, and relentless fatigue that turns the simplest things into a challenge? Dr Lexi Frydenberg is joined Dr Colette Reveley, a paediatrician in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, to unpack the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome. They chat about typical symptoms and how chronic fatigue is diagnosed. They also provide advice about the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and where parents can go for help. For more information and support, see: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Emerge Australia

Ah-choo! It feels like children everywhere are coughing and sneezing their way through this winter. So is it worse than usual? And what is 'RSV'? In this episode, Anthea and Margie are joined by paediatrician Dr Suzanne Boyce to chat about the most common respiratory viruses going around. They talk through the symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and flu, how to know when to seek help and the best ways to stop children from getting sick in the first place. Helpful resources RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Influenza (the flu) RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Bronchiolitis RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Coronavirus COVID-19 RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Cough RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Croup RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Fever in children RCH Kids Health Info podcast - Viruses and fevers, why do kids get sick so often? RCH Kids Health Info podcast - Cough, croup and wheeze GP respiratory clinics (Victoria, Australia)