Measles, mumps and rubella: Would you know the symptoms?

If you’re a parent, you’ll know what it's like to feel worried and powerless when your baby or young child is sick. But if they have a high temperature or a rash – at what point should you be concerned that it could be something more serious than a common cold or stomach upset?

Knowing the early symptoms of childhood diseases is critical in getting fast and effective treatment. Despite this, more than one in ten (11%) British parents are unsure of the symptoms of measles and over a third (38%) do not know the effects of rubella according to a new Department of Health survey out today.

The poll, which follows a recent rise in childhood illnesses such as measles, also reveals that one in 10 parents do not think there is anything they can do to ward off serious health complaints. In reality, immunisations such as the MMR vaccine are the safest and most sensible choice we can make to protect our children.

To help mums and dads across the UK, a new parent-friendly guide by bestselling author Kaz Cooke has been published. Available free, The Rough Guide to Childhood Illnesses is based on Kaz’s book The Rough Guide to Babies & Toddlers and follows her guide to pregnancy that has been in the bestseller list for the last decade.

Kaz Cooke says, “I want parents to be able to feel confident that immunisation is the safest and most sensible choice we can make to protect our children as much as we can, which is why I've included the latest information about MMR and other vaccines”

The Guide was developed in association with the Department of Health and is designed as a reference point for mums and dads. It explains how to recognise and treat childhood illnesses and contains everything parents need to know about preventing them through vaccination.

Dr. Rosemary Leonard said: “Mums and dads need clear, reliable information when their child feels poorly. The Rough Guide to Childhood Illnesses is a reassuring and practical guide to preventing and treating childhood illnesses. Knowing the early symptoms of serious diseases like meningitis or measles is critical in getting fast treatment.”

The Rough Guide to Childhood Illnesses offers down-to-earth, practical information and advice on coping with everything from common sniffles, fever and tummy upsets to serious diseases in babies and children. It is available to order free by calling 020 7478 7849.