Being a parent can be a worry at the best of times but when your baby or child appears unwell it can be difficult to assess just how sick they are. Do they need to see a doctor, do they need medicine or are we just panicking about something that will simply get better by itself.

Trust your instinct – you know your child better than anyone and if you are at all concerned then it is always better to seek professional help by visiting your G.P. If you’re unsure whether to go to the surgery or ask for a home visit, phone and talk to the receptionist or to your G.P. You can explain their symptoms and your situation. Wrapping a sick child up and going by car is totally different than if your only option is getting to the surgery by bus!

Sometimes there should be no grey areas of whether you need to seek help

Urgent symptoms

• A very high temperature of over 39 degrees especially if it’s accompanied by a rash
• Drowsy, hard to wake and disorientated
• Fits or if your baby turns blue, pale or seems floppy
• Breathing difficulties, rapid breathing or grunting
• High temperature but the hands and feet feel clammy
• A purple or red rash anywhere on the body.

If in doubt, always seek advice, even if it turns out to be nothing. Don’t be afraid of seeming like an over protective parent, better to be safe than sorry!