Observing your child’s behavior is the best indicator of their health status. If they are active, cheerful, engaging in play, and maintaining a normal appetite, it is unlikely that they are seriously ill.

Signs of illness in a child may include:

• Restlessness or irritability
• Lack of interest in play
• Unusually quiet and inactive behavior
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling warm to the touch
• Appearing tired, flushed, or pale
• Experiencing shivering or complaining of feeling cold

Sore Throat

If your child complains of a sore throat, it could be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Red or swollen tonsils
• White patches or pus on the tonsils

Earache

An earache can be a common symptom in children, especially after a cold or upper respiratory infection. Signs of an ear infection may include:

• Pulling or tugging at the ear
• Fever
• Fluid drainage from the ear

If your child is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How do I check my child’s temperature?

Using a thermometer is the most reliable method to measure your child’s temperature, as opposed to relying on touch. Different types of thermometers yield varying results, so consider:

• Digital or mercury thermometers placed under the tongue or in the armpit (not recommended for children under 4 years)
• Digital ear thermometers for children over 3 months
• Plastic tape or infrared thermometers on the forehead are less accurate

Certain thermometers are more suitable for specific age groups; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate readings or seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Additional tips to consider:

• Trust your instincts. If you feel that something is seriously wrong with your child, seek medical help immediately.
• Keep track of your child’s symptoms and any changes that occur.
• Make note of any medications your child is taking or any recent illnesses or infections they may have had.
• Stay calm and reassure your child while waiting for medical assistance.
• It is important to stay up to date on your child’s vaccinations to help prevent certain serious illnesses.

Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you are concerned about their well-being.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If your child appears unwell and exhibits symptoms of a serious illness, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Trust your instincts and consult a doctor if:

• Your child is under 3 months old and has a fever
• The fever persists for more than 2 days
• Persistent pain unrelieved by medication
• Decreased fluid intake or poor feeding
• Infrequent urination
• Reluctance to use a limb or swollen joint
• Frequent vomiting with unusual characteristics

Urgent care clinic

In certain regions of Australia, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer medical attention for cases that do not require emergency department visits. These clinics cater to urgent medical needs when your regular doctor is unavailable.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Utilize the Service Finder to locate doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

When should I call an ambulance for my child?

If your child experiences a sudden deterioration in health characterized by:

• Rapid onset of illness
• Severe drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Difficulty breathing, fast or shallow breaths, grunting, or blue lips
• Intermittent breathing cessation
• A seizure
• Symptoms of meningococcal disease

Contact emergency services immediately by dialing triple zero (000) if any of these signs are observed.

It is important to act quickly and trust your instincts when it comes to your child’s health. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to call for help if you are worried about your child’s well-being.

Resources and support

Visit the Royal Children’s Hospital for detailed information on:

If uncertain about your child’s illness severity, contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for guidance and information.

Other languages

If you require assistance in locating the nearest Urgent Care Clinic and speak a language other than English, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) at 131 450.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Connect with Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby to consult with a maternal child health nurse at 1800 882 436 via video or phone call, available from 7 am to midnight (AET) daily.

Reflecting on my childhood, much like many I encounter in my daily practice, I did not particularly enjoy school. While I cherished my time with friends, school lunches were suspect, and I preferred watching cartoons. This often led to sporadic bouts of “stomach aches” and claims of not feeling well, both before and during school.

With my mother being an ER nurse, she was adept at recognizing genuine illness. Invariably, I would be sent to school (quite rightly) despite my attempts at evasion. Determining whether your child is genuinely unwell, needs medical attention, or simply requires time at home for recovery is a delicate balance. Below are some common complaints and considerations if your child voices them.

First: What to ask?

Avoid casting doubt on a child feigning sickness, but employ questioning techniques to understand the situation without leading the responses. Here are ways to gather more information:

• Where is the discomfort? Is it in the abdomen, throat, or elsewhere?
• Can you indicate where you feel unwell?
• Is the pain constant or triggered by eating or drinking?
• Are you visiting the bathroom more frequently?

Fever

A temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is typically considered a fever by most pediatricians, while some schools may identify 100.0 and above as a fever threshold. A fever warrants a day of rest away from school and social interactions until the child has been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.

For accurate temperature readings for your child, it is recommended to avoid giving them warm or cold drinks 15 to 20 minutes before taking their temperature orally. This precaution is necessary to ensure the result is not affected. Additionally, taking their temperature after physical activity may result in a falsely elevated temperature.

If your child complains of a stomachache accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea, it is advisable to keep them at home from school as it could be contagious. However, if they only have a stomachache without any other symptoms and still have an appetite, they may be well enough to attend school. Ignoring persistent stomach pain is not recommended as it could be a sign of underlying issues.

If your child mentions a sore throat, further evaluation is needed to determine if it’s due to allergies, strep throat, or a virus. Strep throat requires testing as it is contagious. In cases of viral illnesses or symptoms related to COVID-19, staying at home is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Symptoms of COVID-19 often resemble those of other viral infections. Testing and staying home when sick are vital actions to prevent the transmission of the virus.

During illness, it is important to differentiate between vague symptoms and actual illness. If your child consistently complains of feeling unwell, suggesting a visit to the doctor may help identify any underlying issues. If uncertain, seek advice from your child’s pediatrician or family physician.

Immediate medical attention is necessary if your child is unresponsive, experiencing difficulty breathing, wheezing, crying continuously due to pain, vomiting blood, or facing severe abdominal issues. Parental intuition plays a significant role in recognizing when your child is genuinely sick. Discuss any concerns with your child’s doctor or school nurse for appropriate advice.