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, click the link below for advice.

When to Contact Us:

Please use the guide below 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

Last reviewed: 7 December 2025
Next review due: 7 December 2028