What to do if your child is unwell
Learn how to care for your child when they're unwell, including when to seek help, how to use NHS services like 111 and urgent treatment centres, and why using antibiotics responsibly is important.
What to do if your child is unwell
Life threatening emergency
If the illness or injury is life-threatening, including a rash that doesn't go away when pressed with a glass, don't hesitate to call 999 straight away.
What you can do
It can be difficult to tell when a child is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts.
You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong.
If your child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can usually look after them at home. They should feel better in a few days.
If they're uncomfortable, you can give them children's paracetamol or children's ibuprofen. Check the leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child and to see how much to give them.
A pharmacist can give you advice about how to ease your child's symptoms and whether you need to see a doctor.
Be antibiotic aware
Antibiotics will have no effect on viruses, such as colds and flu, most sore throats, and may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Use the right NHS service for you
Many minor health issues can be dealt with at home or by seeing a pharmacist.
You can visit an urgent treatment centre if your child has a suspected broken bone or fracture, a sprain or a strain, minor cut, burn or scald.
You don't need an appointment and they are open a minimum of 12 hours a day from 8am to 8pm, 365-days-a-year, including bank holidays.
If you're not sure where to go or what to do, use NHS 111. Available 24/7 online at
NHS 111or by phone.
You can also visit choosing the right service for a list of local services, including a map of pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.