Knowing when your child is ill

Sometimes there's no doubt. However, often its difficult to tell whether a child is ill or not. Children may be listless, hot and miserable one minute, and running around quite happily the next.

Signs to watch out for:

• Physical symptoms such as vomiting, high temperature, cough, runny nose or runny eyes.
  
• Unusual behaviour such as excessive crying, irritability, refusing food and drink, being listless or drowsy.

Possible signs of illness are always more worrying if affecting a baby or small child.

If your child is older and you're not sure whether or not to see the doctor, you might want to carry on normally for a while and see whether the signs of illness or pain continue. It might be best not to let your child see you watching. Most children can put on an act, especially if they see you're worried.

Above all, trust your feelings. You know better than anyone what your child is like day-to-day, so you'll know what's unusual or worrying. If you're worried, contact your doctor. Even if it turns out that nothing is wrong, after all, that is exactly what you need to know.

If you have seen your GP or health visitor and your baby isn't getting better or is getting worse, contact your GP again the same day. If you become worried and you cant get hold of your GP or he/she cant come to you quickly enough, then take your baby straight to the Accident and Emergency department of the nearest hospital, one with a children's ward if possible. Its worth finding out in advance where this is, in case you ever need it.

If you're seriously worried and/or know your child needs urgent attention, phone your GP at any time of the day or night. There may be a different number for when the surgery is closed. If you cant contact a GP, go directly to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.