RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenFever
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Call NHS 111 for urgent advice now if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or more, or a baby aged 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 39°C or more.
- Get urgent advice if the fever lasts 5 days or more, your child is not their usual self, or you are worried.
- Seek help sooner for poor drinking, fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, or a new rash with fever.
- Treat discomfort rather than trying to reach a normal temperature. A fever coming down after medicine does not rule out a serious illness.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- A severe headache with a stiff neck, discomfort in bright light, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
- A first seizure, or a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes.
- A weak or high-pitched continuous cry, a bulging soft spot on a baby’s head, or being extremely agitated or difficult to wake.
- A child who seems seriously ill or may have sepsis, even without a high temperature.
- Severe difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
