Sick Child Guide: Fever, Colds, Ear Infections & When to Call the Doctor

When your child is sick, you need clear answers fast. This guide brings together all of our articles on fevers, common infections, and warning signs, so you can find what you need in one place.

If your child has trouble breathing, is very hard to wake, or you think it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER now.

Start here: is this urgent?

• Child Symptom Checker: When to See a Doctor
• When Should I Worry About My Child’s Symptoms? A Red-Flag Guide
• 7 Early Signs of Illness Parents Often Miss

Fever

• When to Call the Pediatrician About a Fever
• Choosing the Right Thermometer by Age

Colds, flu, RSV and virus season

• Cold vs. Flu vs. RSV vs. COVID in Kids: How to Tell the Difference
• A Parent’s Guide to Respiratory Illnesses During Virus Season
• Humidifiers for Kids with Colds and Allergies
• Protecting Your Newborn from Germs

Ears, nose and throat

• Ear Infection or Just a Cold? How to Tell
• Recurrent Ear Infections: Are Ear Tubes Necessary?
• Loud Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Children
• Tonsillectomy: What Parents Should Know

Serious infections to know about

• Meningitis in Children
• Encephalitis in Children
• Measles Resurgence in the U.S.

This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your child’s doctor.