While most fevers in children are manageable and resolve without complication, certain warning signs indicate that a child needs urgent — not routine — medical attention. Knowing these signs in advance can help you act quickly and calmly.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Fever in an infant younger than 3 months
- Difficulty breathing, fast or laboured breathing
- A seizure (convulsion) associated with the fever
- Unresponsiveness, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking your child
- A widespread rash, especially one that does not fade when pressed
- Signs of significant dehydration (very little urination, sunken eyes, dry mouth)
- Persistent, inconsolable crying or unusual stiffness of the neck
- Bluish discoloration of the lips or face
What to do if you notice these signs
If your child shows any of the signs above, please go to the nearest emergency department or contact local emergency medical services immediately. Do not wait for a routine appointment, and do not attempt to manage these situations solely with home care or over-the-counter medication.
Important: this clinic does not provide emergency care
This clinic does not provide emergency services. This article — and this website generally — is not a substitute for emergency medical care, and should never be used to decide whether to delay seeking urgent help.
For non-urgent fever concerns
If your child has a fever without any of the warning signs above, a routine consultation is a reasonable next step, especially if the fever persists, recurs, or is accompanied by other symptoms. See our general guide on fever in children and our Childhood Fever and Acute Illness service page.