Fever, cough and gastroenteritis in children: when to consult.

This page aims to inform parents about when it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for their child's fever, cough or gastroenteritis symptoms. Learn the signs that need immediate medical attention and what care you can provide at home while waiting for a consultation.

When to consult the emergency?

  • Your child is having trouble breathing (for example, he is breathing faster than normal; he is pale; his lips turn white or blue; he is coughing non-stop, choking or breathing irregularly).
  • Your child is hurt and may have a broken bone or need stitches.
  • Your child hurt himself and is now vomiting.
  • Your infant (under three months old) has a fever over 38°C or 100.4°F.
  • Your child is feverish and drowsy, and you are having trouble waking him up.
  • Your child has a rash and his skin doesn't turn white if you press on it.
  • Your child is vomiting and has diarrhea, is not producing tears, has a very dry mouth and has not urinated more than 2-3 times in the last 24 hours.

 

When to consult at the without appointment clinic?

In case of cough:

If your child :

  • has a cough that persists for more than 10 days and the symptoms that have accompanied the cough from the beginning do not improve;
  • coughs so much that he chokes or vomits;
  • is less than 3 months old and coughs for several hours;
  • is less than 6 months old and has a fever greater than 38°C (100°F);
  • is over 6 months old and has a temperature that reaches 40°C (104°F), or has had a fever for 72 hours;
  • wheezing; has difficulty eating adequately;
  • lose weight; cough and have chest or rib pain;
  • has a cough that reoccurs every 2 to 3 weeks for a period of more than 3 months.

To help you assess the situation, you can: 

  • Call 811

In case of fever : 

  • It can be difficult to assess the right time to seek medical attention if you have a fever. 
  • Generally, if your child is over 3 months old and is in good health, it is possible to wait 48 hours to 72 hours before consulting a doctor if your child does not present any worrying symptoms and is in good general condition. 

To help you assess the situation, you can: 

  • Call 811

 

In case of gastroenteritis : 

  • If your children:
    • vomits more than 6 or 7 times a day
    • has a dry tongue or seems to urinate less
    • has stools containing blood
    • has a hard and sensitive stomach
    • has continuous diarrhea (more than 6 stools per day) for more than 5 days
  • To help you assess the situation, you can: 
    • Call 811 

    Need additional advice?

    Call the info-santé phote line : dial 811