Top 10 warning signs your child may have an immunodeficiency

Hello. We’re sorry if you or a loved one are poorly right now. We’re a charity that deal with rare immune conditions and can provide you with 10 warning signs of underlying immune conditions. Together we need to make the public and professionals aware of them.

As a charity dedicated paediatric immune deficiencies we rely on donations - but we’re not asking you for donations today just providing warning signs. However do remember the Bubble Foundation for future giving so we can continue to raise awareness and research.

In 1993, JMF worked with the American Red Cross and the JMF medical advisory board to develop the “10 Warning Signs of Primary Immunodeficiency” to promote earliest possible diagnosis. If you or someone you know is affected by two or more of the following warning signs, speak to a a doctor about the possible presence of an underlying PI

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1. Four or more ear infections within one year
   Frequent middle ear infections (otitis media) that don’t clear easily.

2. Two or more serious sinus infections within one year
   These are more than just mild colds—deep, prolonged, or recurrent sinusitis.

3. Two or more months on antibiotics with little effect
   Needing prolonged courses or finding antibiotics don’t resolve infections.

4. Two or more pneumonias within one year
   Chest X-ray confirmed lung infections, especially if recurrent.

5. Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally
   Known as “failure to thrive,” possibly linked to chronic infections.

6. Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses
   Abscesses in the skin, liver, lungs, or other organs that recur.

7. Persistent thrush in the mouth or fungal infection on the skin
   Especially if it continues after age one or keeps coming back.

8. Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections
   Suggests oral antibiotics are not sufficient to manage illness.

9. Two or more deep-seated infections including septicaemia
   Such as meningitis, osteomyelitis, or blood infections.

10. A family history of primary immunodeficiency
    Close relatives with diagnosed PID increase the risk.

Fighting for children like...

Abeeha

Diagnosed with HLH, passed away in June 2025 | See more

Dolcie-Mae

Diagnosed with HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) at one month old | See more

Louie

Transplant at 8 months | See more

Lexi

APDS2, Lexi died aged 14 in 2025 | See more

Imagine being isolated in a hospital room for months at a time, not being able to see friends or loved ones. Your support helps The Bubble Foundation research treatments and fund life saving equipment as well as toys and games for patients with life-threatening immune deficiencies.

See our patient stories