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Fever - high temperature in babies under 3 months of age Easy Read RAG

If your child:

Is pale with patchy coloured skin that feels cold when you touch it.

Has blue lips.

Finds it hard to talk, eat or drink because they cannot breathe properly.

Has a stiff body or keeps making jerking movements that don’t stop when you hold them.

Is crying and won’t stop

  • Is confused
  • Very difficult to wake up

Gets a rash that does not go away when you press on it.
Press the bottom of a glass on the rash to see if it disappears.

Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above


(If they’ve had their routine injections in the last 2 days and have no other features of being unwell- then give paracetamol or ibuprofen (for babies) and watch them closely. If their temperature does not come down within 30 minutes get help)

You need urgent help.


Go to the nearest Hospital
A&E Department or phone 999.

If your child:

Has difficulty breathing, including
breathing fast; pulling in their muscles below their ribs, between their ribs or at their neck when they breathe

• Not interested in feeding
• Has a dry mouth
• Has sunken eyes
• Is sleepy
• No wet nappies in the last 8 hours

Is becoming sleepy or upset and you are unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or cuddling – especially if they stay this way when their temperature is coming down.

Is getting worse or if you are worried.

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.


Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If symptoms continue for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, check your child has not developed anything in red list above.

If your child:

Has none of these

They probably don’t need urgent or immediate help.
 

Self care


Keep caring for your child at home.
If you are still worried about your child, contact your Health Visitor or call NHS 111 – dial 111.