Not sure if your child’s symptoms need medical attention? Learn when to take your child to the doctor and when home care is enough.
We all know that kids get sick—sometimes often—and while many illnesses can be managed at home, there are moments when professional medical care is essential.
Trusting your instincts is key, but it also helps to understand what symptoms really matter, when to call urgent care and when a visit to the emergency department is necessary.
This guide will help you feel more confident in knowing when to seek medical attention for your sick child, and when rest, fluids and cuddles might be enough.
Always trust your instincts
If there’s one rule every parent should remember, it’s this: When you have a concern, it’s always important to seek medical help for your newborn or child. No mum has ever regretted getting their child’s symptoms checked out, but many have regretted waiting too long. Whether your baby is three months old or your school-aged kids are battling yet another cold, your gut feelings as a parent are valuable and should be listened to.
Common illnesses in children
Most young children will experience a common cold up to 10 times a year. The common symptoms are a runny nose, cough and mild fever. These often signal a viral infection, such as a respiratory syncytial virus, a cold or the flu. While these symptoms are often manageable at home, it is crucial to closely monitor your child’s condition. If they exhibit additional warning signs, it’s time to seek medical attention.
While filmed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the general advice in this video on when to take a child to the doctor by paediatrician Dr Hartshorn from the Sydney Adventist Hospital is still relevant. Fever? Cough? Earaches? Find out if it requires a hospital visit.
Fevers and temperature checks
A fever is one of the clearest signs that your child is fighting an illness. But not all fevers are the same. For babies under three months, even a low-grade fever of 38 degrees celsius is considered serious and should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring a visit to the emergency department. For newborns, any high temperature is considered dangerous and must not be ignored.
In young children older than six months, a fever can be a normal sign of the body’s immune system fighting an infection. However, persistent high fever, especially one lasting more than two days or one that doesn’t respond to paracetamol, should be assessed by a doctor.
Using a rectal temperature in babies gives the most accurate reading. If your child has a fever and seems unwell, seek guidance.
Breathing difficulties
Trouble breathing or difficulty breathing is always an emergency. If your child is working hard to breathe, making wheezing noises, breathing very fast or struggling to talk, call urgent care immediately or go to the emergency room.
Other warning signs include sucking in around the ribs when breathing, flaring nostrils or a blue tinge around the lips. These are all red flags indicating that your child requires urgent medical attention.
Persistent coughs
Coughs are very common in kids and are usually part of a viral infection. However, a cough that persists for several days or weeks may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as asthma. If your child’s cough lasts more than three weeks, is accompanied by a fever or is so severe it interferes with sleep, contact your doctor.
Earaches
When babies tug on their ears, it may simply mean they’re tired or teething. But in other cases, an earache is a sign of an ear infection. Look for common symptoms, such as irritability, increased crying or discharge from the ear. A quick visit to the doctor can confirm if antibiotics are needed.
Sore throat and other concerns
A sore throat is another issue that parents and caregivers often face. In most kids, it’s caused by a common cold or viral infection. However, a sudden, severe sore throat, particularly accompanied by a high fever, difficulty swallowing or swollen glands, requires medical attention.
If your child complains of a stiff neck, which is accompanied by a fever and lethargy, this could be a rare but serious condition requiring an immediate trip to the emergency room.
Hydration and warning signs
A sick child who isn’t drinking enough fluids can quickly become dehydrated. Watch for warning signs, such as a dry mouth, a lack of tears when crying or fewer wet nappies. If these appear, seek medical help straight away.
When to go to the emergency department
Some situations should always prompt a visit to the emergency department without hesitation:
- Any fever in a newborn under three months
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- A child who is very drowsy, floppy or unresponsive
- Seriously ill children who show sudden changes in behaviour or consciousness
Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to go and have your child assessed than to risk waiting.
The role of hygiene in preventing illness
While it’s impossible to protect your kids from every illness, practising good hygiene reduces the spread of infections. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. Model this behaviour by practising it yourself.
If your sick child is unwell, keep them home from school or daycare. Excluding them helps with recovery and prevents the spread of viral infections to other young children. Simple hygiene measures really do make a difference.
Time frames to keep in mind
- 24 hours: If your child has had a persistent high fever for more than a day without improvement, seek medical care.
- 2 days: A fever lasting more than two days should be checked by a doctor.
- 3 days: A common cold typically begins to improve within three days. If not, see a doctor.
Remember, if anything feels wrong before these time frames, don’t wait, get medical attention right away.
Supporting your child at home
While many children’s symptoms can be treated at home, comfort measures are essential. Offer plenty of fluids, rest and light meals. Monitor their fever and keep track of the number of days they’ve been unwell. For older children, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort, but always follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Final thoughts
Being a parent means balancing constant decisions, especially when it comes to your child’s health. Understanding the common symptoms of a viral infection, knowing when a fever is more than just a passing sign and recognising urgent red flags such as trouble breathing, seizures or high temperature in very young children can help you make confident choices.
When in doubt, remember: Seeking medical help is always the right choice. A doctor can quickly rule out severe conditions, provide reassurance and guide you on how best to support your sick child.
Your instincts, combined with these guidelines, will help you determine when to care for your child at home, when to visit a GP and when to seek urgent medical attention in the emergency room.
Read next: The best types of baby thermometers and how to use them
Any advice given is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and must not be relied upon as such. Before beginning any new treatments or for any healthcare advice, always consult a healthcare practitioner.
