How can I tell if my child is sick?

How can I tell if my child is sick?

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Baby Check is a tool which has been developed by doctors who analysed the signs and symptoms of illness in over 1000 babies under six months of age to help parents decide if their baby needs a doctor.

Fever means the temperature of the inside of the body is higher than normal (more than 38 degrees Celsius). Fever actually helps your child’s body fight off infection. Fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously sick.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell or hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. This is a free 24 hour a day telephone health advice service.
You might want to measure your child’s body temperature if they feel hot. If they do not seem unwell, you do not need to take their temperature. The most common reason for a child to have a raised temperature is because they are fighting off an infection. A very young baby can get too hot if they are wrapped in too many layers.
There is no foolproof system to tell you whether or not your child is seriously ill but you can check a list of symptoms that indicate a significant health issue. If your baby is under three months old and you are worried about them, they should be checked by a doctor, even if they do not have one of the listed symptoms.