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Child Health: Recognising the Red Flags
Key Information
- Your Instinct: As a parent, you have a built-in smoke alarm for your child’s health: your instinct.
- Most Illnesses Are Mild: Most coughs and colds are like “burnt toast” — worrying, but not dangerous.
- The Goal: This page lists the red flag signs that are the equivalent of the alarm blaring. These are the signs you must not ignore.
1. Check Their Breathing
The most critical sign to watch for is a change in breathing.
- Struggling: Is your child struggling for breath?
- Recessions: Can you see the muscles under their ribs “sucking in” with each breath?
- Sound & Speed: Are they breathing very fast, or making a grunting noise with every breath?
- Colour: Do their lips have a bluish tinge?
2. Watch Their Behaviour
- Drowsiness: Are they unusually drowsy or difficult to wake up?
- The Rash: Do they have a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it? This is known as the Glass Test.
3. Other Critical Warning Signs
- Fever (Under 3 Months): A very high temperature in a baby under 3 months old.
- Dehydration: Signs include a dry nappy for 12 hours or more.
Trust Your Instinct
This list does not cover everything. Your instinct is the most sensitive smoke alarm there is.
- We Listen: We will always take your instinct seriously.
- Don’t Hesitate: You are never bothering us by acting to keep your child safe.
Who to Call?
- For urgent advice when we are closed: Call NHS 111.
- Emergency: If your child is struggling to breathe or you are very worried, call 999.
What Happens Next?
If you are worried about a sick child, but it is not an emergency, please contact us for advice.
Further Information
For a complete guide on spotting signs of serious illness in children, please visit the NHS website.
Is my baby or toddler seriously ill?
Last reviewed: 30 December 2025
Next review due: 30 December 2028
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107