When should I bring my child back to the emergency department?
Sometimes children who have had a minor illness develop a more serious infection later. If your child seems to be getting sicker and has any one of the following symptoms, return immediately to the Emergency department, even if you have just left the department and even if your child is taking medications (drugs). It is better to return for a false alarm than to wait too long.

Return to the emergency department immediately if...

• You have difficulty waking your child. (Fever may make children want to sleep more, but they should awaken easily and be able to interact with their parents.)
• your child seems confused or delirious.
• your child does not use an arm or a leg normally, or refuses to stand or put weight on his or her legs.
• your child has problems breathing
• your child develops small purple spots on the skin (that may look like bruises).
• your child cries constantly and you cannot settle him or her.
• your child's skin colour does not look right or becomes grey, pale or blue.
• your child has a fit (seizure, convulsion).

Remember...

• A high fever does not necessarily mean a serious illness
• A low-grade fever does not necessarily mean that the illness is minor.
• The fact that the fever does not come down with acetaminophen does not necessarily mean the illness is serious.

Return to the child's doctor or emergency room as soon as you can if...

• your child has had a fever for more than 3 full days
• your child cries when he or she goes to the bathroom, or the urine smells bad.

If you have any concerns about any changes in your child after you have left the emergency department, please call the department at (416) 813-5817 If you have not been to the Emergency department for this illness, please call your child's doctor or the Medical Information line at (416) 813-5817 If you are concerned about your child and cannot wait to speak to your doctor or the Medical Information Line, please go to the closest Emergency Department.

How can I treat my child's fever?

• Your child may feel more comfortable if dressed in light clothing and given lots of clear fluids to drink
• If your child is over 3 months of age, you may give him or her acetaminophen (Tempra, Tylenol, Panadol) in liquid, tablet, or suppository (rectal) form.
• If your child is less than 3 months of age, you should not give him or her fever medication unless you have spoken to your doctor.
• Bringing down the temperature with medication does not take away the cause of the fever, but may make your child feel more comfortable.