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Fever in Children: When to Seek Urgent Help
Key Information
- Look at the Child, Not the Thermometer: The height of the temperature (eg 38°C vs 40°C) does not tell you how sick your child is. The most important signs are how your child is behaving and acting.
- Breathing Check: Watch for grunting noises or if their tummy sucks in hard under their ribs with every breath.
- Activity & Awareness: Serious signs include being unusually drowsy, difficult to wake, floppy, or having a constant high-pitched cry that cannot be settled.
- Skin & Rash: Look for pale, blotchy, or blue skin. Crucially, check for a rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it (The Glass Test).
What Happens Next?
Trust your instincts. If your child has a fever and you are worried because they are acting differently, or if you simply feel something is wrong, please contact us to discuss your concerns.
When to Contact Us
Please use this guide to decide who to contact.
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if:
- Breathing: Your child is struggling to breathe (sucking in ribs/tummy).
- Consciousness: They are floppy, unresponsive, or very hard to wake.
- Skin: Their skin is blue, pale, or blotchy, or they have a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Contact the Practice (or NHS 111):
- Under 3 Months: Your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more.
- 3 to 6 Months: Your baby has a temperature of 39°C or more.
- Instinct: You do not see red flags, but you are still worried about their condition.
Further Information
For more detailed advice about red flags and fever in children, please visit the NHS website.
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107