It is important to know whether your child is really sick. Children can have many complaints and a high fever, but not be very ill or vice versa. Here are some clues that can help you determine how sick your child is:

 (1) Does your child respond to comforting? Can you settle him or her down easily or does crying or whining continue regardless of how hard you try to make him or her happy?

 (2) Is your child sleepy? How easy is it to wake him or her? Does he or she remain awake or drift back into sleep?

(3) Does your child smiles at you and interacts with you, or is he or she dull or appears anxious?

(4) Is your child fussy, not wanting to move?

(5) Is your child's color normal, or is he or she pale or a little blue?

(6) Is your child breathing hard or grunting a little with each breath?

(7) Is his or her skin dry? Are his or her eyes sunken? Any and/or all these indicate that your child may be very sick and your doctor should be called immediately.

BEST ADVICE: Your own overall impression or "gut feeling" is probably most important. If you think that your child is really sick, call your doctor and ask to be seen immediately. If your doctor is not available or cannot see your child promptly, rush to the nearest emergency room and request that your child be seen immediately.