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My child has a fever - what should I do?.
A
A fever is anything over 37.5°c/
99°F. It may help parents to see the ‘traffic light' system recommended
by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for identifying the risk
of serious illness in children with fever. If your child has symptoms identified
in the amber or red sections you should always see your GP.
Green = the child is at low risk of serious illness:
- None of the amber or
red symptoms or signs.
- Normal colour of skin,
lips, and tongue.
- Responds normally to
social cues. Content and smiles. Stays awake or wakens quickly.
- Strong normal cry or
not crying.
- Normal skin turgor and
eyes, moist mucous membranes
Amber = the child is
at intermediate risk of serious illness:
- None of the red symptoms
or signs.
- Pale skin
- Does not respond normally
to social cues. Does not smile. Wakes only with prolonged stimulation. Decreased
activity.
- Poor feeding in infants.
- Nasal flaring. Fast
breathing rate
- Dry mouth.
- Reduced amount of wet
nappies
- Fever for 5 days or
more.
- Swelling of a limb or
joint. Not weight bearing or not using a limb.
Red = the child is at high risk of serious illness:
- Appears ill to a healthcare
professional.
- Pale or mottled, or
ashen or blue skin.
- No response to social
cues. Unable to rouse, or if roused does not stay awake.
- Weak, high-pitched,
or continuous cry.
- Grunting fast breathing
rate.
- Reduced skin turgor.
- Temperature of 38°C
or higher in children 0–3 months of age. Temperature of 39°C or
higher in children 3–6 months of age.
- Non-blanching rash.
Bulging fontanel. Neck stiffness.
- Fits
- Bile-stained vomit.
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