MediArticles

When is a fever critical?

Look at your child and use common sense. Do they look exhausted or ill? Are they behaving differently? If the answer is yes, call the doctor. You should also call your doctor if:

• you have a young child, less than three months old, who runs a high fever.
• your child cries and cries, without you being able to comfort them, and doesn’t wake up easily.
• your child has a temperature over 38ºC (101.3ºF) for more than three days.
• your child has just had an operation.
• your child doesn’t seem to be getting better.

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms with a fever, call your doctor.

• Stiff neck.
• Affected by bright light.
• Hallucinations.
• Red rash or blue/purple dots or patches.
• Trouble breathing.
• Cramps.
• Continued vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Continued tonsillitis.
• Pain when urinating, or urinating more than usual.
• Other illnesses.