Key points about seeking help if your child is sick
- if you are worried about your child, get medical help
- if your child is under 3 months old, always see a health professional
- if you have already seen a health professional but your child is getting worse, go back to a health professional
Is my child very sick?
Healthy young tamariki (children) can have several colds or upper respiratory tract infections each year. These are a normal part of childhood.
You know your child best. If you’re worried at any stage, always seek help.
What to do if you think your child is sick
If you are worried about your child, whether or not they have a fever, get medical help.
You could:
- call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are unsure what you should do
- see your health professional
- go to an after-hours medical centre or hospital emergency department
- dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) for urgent medical help
Try to stay calm and explain why you are worried about your child.
If you are waiting to see a health professional and think that your child is getting sicker, explain why you are worried.
If you have already seen a health professional but your child is getting worse, go back to a health professional.
When to get medical help for your child
-
…
When to see a health professional
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see a health professional if your child:
- is under 3 months old
- is drinking less than half of their normal feeds
- has less than half of their normal wet nappies or their wee is dark
- has a sore throat or joint pain
- has frequent watery poo (diarrhoea)
- is vomiting and not keeping fluids down
- is in pain
- is unwell with a fever
- is getting sicker
- you’re worried
When to see a health professional urgently
See a health professional urgently if your child:
- is under 3 months old
- looks unwell
- is hard to wake
- is not weeing
- is not interested in surroundings
- is having trouble breathing
- is in severe pain
- has a severe headache
- is upset by bright lights
- is not drinking
- is vomiting and not keeping fluids down
- has a rash
- you're worried
When to call 111
Dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for urgent medical help if your child:
- is floppy
- is blue around the mouth
- is struggling to breathe
- is unresponsive
- you're worried
When it's OK to look after your child at home
You can look after your child at home if they:
- are drinking and feeding well
- are still interacting with you
- do not look sick
If you have already seen a health professional but your child is getting worse, go back to a health professional.
When young babies are sick
Young pēpi (babies) that are less than 3 months old need a more cautious approach. Pēpi get fevers for the same reasons as older tamariki, but they are not as good at fighting off infections.
If your child is under 3 months old and they are sick with a fever take them to a health professional. Even if they don’t have a fever, but you are worried for any reason, see a health professional.
If your child is under 3 months old and they have a fever, always take them to a health professional.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
