Advice for parents and carers of children 5 years and older
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
Continue providing your child’s care at home using the advice below. If you are still concerned about your child, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111. Keep monitoring your child for red and amber features and seek help if they develop
Most children with a fever do get better very quickly but some children can get worse. You need to regularly check your child during the day and also through the night and follow the advice given below.
Do the ‘glass test’ if your child has a rash. Press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the spots through the glass and they do not fade as you press the glass onto the skin then this is called a ‘non-blanching rash’. If you see this type of rash, seek medical advice immediately. The rash is harder to see on dark skin so check paler areas, such as palms of the hands, soles of the feet and tummy.
(Photo courtesy of the Meningitis Research Foundation 2013)
This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.