Most illnesses in children are mild and will go away by themselves but sometimes it can be difficult to tell how ill your child really is. Do they have common sickness, or are you missing the signs of a serious underlying condition that needs urgent medical attention?

Serious illness can present itself in many different ways, so it's difficult to know what to look out for. There is no one specific sign or symptom that 100 percent predicts serious illness. That's why it's important to look at the whole picture and seek help if you're worried.

The main thing is to trust your instincts. You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you’ll know when something is seriously wrong.

Signs of serious illness in a child

Below is a list of warning signs that might be serious:

  • A high temperature that doesn’t come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Your child is quiet and listless, even when their temperature is down

Read more about how to take your child’s temperature.

Find out how to treat a high temperature at home.

  • Your child is unusually drowsy or floppy
  • Your child is unresponsive
  • Your child has a high-pitched, continuous cry

  • Your child is having difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing or panting
  • Shallow breaths
  • A throaty noise while breathing

  • Your child is pale or blue
  • Your child has a purple or red rash that doesn’t go away when you press it

  • Your child is hard to wake up, or appears disorientated or confused
  • Green vomit
  • Your child has a fit (convulsion or seizure) for the first time
  • Your child won’t drink or is not passing urine

If your child has any of these signs, get medical help as soon as possible:

  • During the day from Monday to Friday – it’s best to call your GP practice
  • Evenings and weekends – call NHS 111

Find your nearest Urgent Care Centre.

Find your nearest A&E.