Colds and fevers are common during childhood. If you are worried, it is important to seek assistance.

If you need more information, you can visit zero.govt.nz, search for KidsHealth, and click on our logo for free resources. If you require additional support, do not hesitate to reach out.

If you need medical advice, call Healthline at 0800 611 116. Healthline offers 24/7 over-the-phone healthcare services. In case of emergencies, dial 111.

When to Seek Medical Help

• If you notice any sudden or severe symptoms in your child, such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, seek medical help immediately.
• For infants under 3 months of age, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or symptoms.
• If your child’s condition is not improving with home care or over-the-counter medications, it is advisable to revisit a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Recognizing Red Flags

It is common for healthy young children to experience multiple colds each year. If you are worried, seek medical attention.

Guidelines for Seeking Medical Assistance

If you are worried about your child’s health, it is essential to seek medical help promptly.

• Contact Healthline at 0800 611 116 if you are unsure
• Consult a healthcare professional
• Visit an after-hours medical center or hospital
• In case of urgency, call 111 for immediate assistance

Stay calm and communicate your concerns to healthcare professionals. If your child’s condition deteriorates, express your worries to medical staff.

If your child’s health worsens, seek professional medical assistance.

‘Red flags’ are alarming indicators of illness in children that require urgent medical attention.

Parents are advised to trust their instincts and seek help promptly in serious situations.

Recognizing Breathing Difficulties in Children

Recognizing breathing difficulties in children is crucial for ensuring their well-being. Some common signs of breathing problems in children include:

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
• Chest retractions, where the skin pulls in around the ribs during inhalation
• Frequent coughing, especially at night
• Flaring nostrils or grunting while breathing

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Breathing difficulties can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. Early detection and treatment are key to managing these conditions effectively and preventing complications. Don’t hesitate to consult with your child’s healthcare provider if you have any concerns about their breathing. Your child’s health is always a top priority!

Dealing with Red Flags

Watch a video on ‘breathing difficulties in children’ for detailed explanations and real-life examples.

Signs of breathing issues may include unusual sounds, persistent coughing, and rapid breathing.

Other red flags to watch for when dealing with breathing difficulties in children include chest retractions (sucking in of the skin around the ribs and collarbone), flaring nostrils, and bluish discoloration of the lips or face.

If you notice any of these red flags, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to ensure the well-being of the child.

Signs of Dehydration

If your child refuses to eat, it could be a sign of dehydration.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

Scant urine output is a red flag for dehydration.

Other warning signs of dehydration include:

• Dark yellow urine
• Dry mouth
• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Reduced sweat production
• Rapid heartbeat

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially during hot weather or physical activity.

Seeking Urgent Medical Help

If your baby appears lethargic, immediate medical attention is required.

If your baby’s crying seems weak or abnormal, urgent care is necessary.

Recognizing Serious Conditions

A non-blanching rash indicates a severe illness. Look out for other red flags as well.

Fevers accompanied by rashes should not be ignored and require medical evaluation.

Other symptoms to watch out for that may indicate a serious condition include persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, unresponsiveness, chest pain, and abdominal pain.

If you notice any of these symptoms along with a rash, seek medical attention immediately as they could be signs of a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Urgent Care for Fevers

Babies under 3 months with a temperature of 38 degrees or higher should be taken to a hospital immediately, even without other symptoms.

Noticing Changes in Skin Color

A change in skin color is a significant warning sign.

Mottled skin can signify underlying issues. Trust your familiarity with your child’s normal condition.

Trust Your Instincts

Always trust your instincts and seek medical help if you sense something is wrong.

For more information in video format, click here

Reference

‘A Life. A Finger. A Pea Up a Nose’
CPR KIDS essential First Aid Guide for Babies and Children

Childhood illnesses can be a cause of concern for parents, but being informed and prepared can make a big difference. Make sure to keep up-to-date with your child’s vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

Identifying ‘red flags’ is crucial when a child is unwell and requires urgent medical intervention.

Trust your instincts to seek help if your child is displaying signs of illness.

Some common ‘red flags’ to look out for include:

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Changes in behavior or alertness
• Severe headache or head injury
• Pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication

If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately.

8 Red Flags for Unwell Children

Watching for Breathing Difficulties

Observe signs of breathing troubles, such as abnormal breathing patterns and coughing.

Feeding Issues

If your child refuses to eat, it could indicate a serious problem.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

Limited urine output is a cause for concern.

Altered Alertness

Pay attention to changes in alertness that may signal a problem.

Fever with Non-Blanching Rash

Take a closer look at rashes that do not fade under pressure, as they could indicate serious conditions.

View our demonstration for testing non-blanching rash here.

Babies with High Temperatures

A temperature over 38 degrees in babies under 3 months requires immediate medical attention.

Abnormal Skin Color

Watch out for changes in skin color, such as blueness or pallor, which may indicate a medical emergency.

Trust your instincts and seek help if your child’s skin appears mottled or unusual.

Listening to Your Gut Feeling

Your intuition plays a vital role in recognizing when your child needs urgent medical care. Act promptly if you sense something is wrong.

Prioritizing children’s health is essential. Educate yourself on symptoms that warrant medical attention and appropriate responses.

Monitoring Children’s Body Functions

Children’s body temperature can fluctuate rapidly. Look out for additional symptoms like rashes, neck stiffness, and others.

Addressing Breathing Issues

Breathing problems should be taken seriously in children. Watch for signs like wheezing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.

Dealing with Headaches

Headaches can be concerning, especially when accompanied by unexplained symptoms. Seek medical advice if necessary.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies are common in children. Recognize severe allergic reactions and seek immediate treatment as required.

If you have concerns about any symptoms, use the Isabel Symptom Checker to determine the next steps.

CPR Kids

Learn to recognize the ‘red flags’ of a sick child, such as breathing abnormalities, feeding difficulties, and changes in responsiveness.

Here are 8 warning signs to watch for:

Abnormal Breathing Patterns

Signs of breathing difficulties include rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, and retractions.

Feeding Issues

Be cautious of decreased feeding in infants, as it may indicate a more serious problem.

Reduced Urine Output

Diminished urine output is a red flag that should not be overlooked.

Altered Alertness

Keep an eye on changes in alertness or responsiveness that may signal an issue.

Fever with Non-Blanching Rash

If a rash does not fade when pressed, it could be a sign of meningococcal disease. Prompt medical attention is necessary. Look for other warning signs before the rash appears.

Babies may not always have a fever, but this does not negate the need for urgent medical care.

Babies with High Temperatures

For babies under 3 months, a temperature of 38 degrees or higher warrants a visit to the hospital.

Unusual Skin Color

Changes in skin color, such as blueness or paleness, require immediate medical attention. Mottled skin can also be a concern, so trust your judgment based on your child’s normal appearance.

Listening to Your Gut Feeling

Your intuition is key. Take action promptly if you feel that something is amiss. Trust your ability to recognize when your child needs urgent medical care.

Remember – ABNORMAL