Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Sick child

A sick child often has a harmless infection, but can deteriorate quickly, especially as a baby. Look beyond the temperature: breathing, colour, responsiveness, how easily the child wakes, drinking, urination, pain, rash and the parent's sense that something is wrong determine how quickly assessment is needed.

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A sick child often has a harmless infection, but can deteriorate quickly, especially as a baby. Look beyond the temperature: breathing, colour, responsiveness, how easily the child wakes, drinking, urination, pain, rash and the parent's sense that something is wrong determine how quickly assessment is needed.

  • Fever or a low temperature, shivering, clamminess or noticeably pale, grey or mottled skin.
  • Rapid or difficult breathing, skin pulling in between the ribs, flaring nostrils, grunting or being unable to drink because of breathlessness.
  • Offer small amounts to drink frequently and record wet nappies or urination, vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • Check regularly that the child wakes easily, responds, has their normal colour and breathes without extra effort.
  • Call immediately for a baby under three months with a temperature of 38.0 degrees or higher, a low temperature or clearly unwell behaviour.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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A
A child with feverFever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.
R
RoseolaRoseola is a common viral infection in babies and toddlers, with a sudden high fever lasting several days, often followed by a pink rash as the fever falls. Most children recover on their own, but age, drinking, breathing, how easily they wake and warning signs matter more than the name of the rash.
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A child with mouth painMouth pain in a child often comes from ulcers, blisters, inflamed gums, thrush, teething or a small wound. The main risk is that the child stops drinking adequately. Warning signs include drooling with swallowing problems, difficulty breathing, refusing drinks, dehydration and becoming more ill quickly. Children under 3 years should again have a low threshold for medical assessment.