Immediate medical care may be needed when fever, vomiting, or a seizure occurs along with signs of a serious illness.
Symptoms of serious illness include:
- Severe neck stiffness or pain and fussiness.
- Extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking up, or a lack of alertness.
- A bulging soft spot (fontanel) on a baby's head.
- Rapid, difficult breathing.
- Drooling and not wanting to swallow.
- Severe pain.
- Signs of severe dehydration.
- Blue or purple skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis).
- New skin rash or spontaneous bruising.
- New swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one or more joints.
- Fever of 105°F (40.6°C) or higher 30 to 60 minutes after giving medication for fever.
- Any signs of a urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning with urination or urinating frequently and in small amounts.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007



