Do you do U-check-ups?

No. U1–U11 statutory paediatric check-ups are performed by a permanent paediatrician. DoktorAkut handles acute illness only.

Sick Child — When to Call a Doctor

Q: When is a child's fever dangerous?

In infants under 3 months, any fever (from 38.0 °C rectal) requires immediate medical assessment. In older children, red flags include fever over 40 °C, fever lasting more than 3 days, lethargy, breathing difficulty, petechial rash, or dehydration.

Q: Can DoktorAkut prescribe antibiotics for my child?

Yes when clinically indicated per DGKJ and AWMF guidelines (bacterial tonsillitis, otitis media with fever, urinary tract infection). We follow antibiotic stewardship.

Reading time: 7 minutesEditorial: DoktorAkutUpdated April 2026

Children get sick often — it's part of immune-system development. But how do you tell a harmless cold from something that needs a doctor now? This guide covers the most common warning signs for parents in Munich.

Red flags — call a doctor today

Fever in an infant under 3 months (rectal temperature ≥ 38.0 °C)
Fever in a child 3–36 months above 39 °C for more than 24 hours
Fever over 40 °C at any age
Fever longer than 3 days
Severe pain, inconsolable crying
Marked lethargy, difficult to wake
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea for more than 12 hours
Signs of dehydration: no urine for 6–8 hours, no tears when crying, sunken fontanelle in infants
Ear pain with fever
New skin rash with fever
Persistent cough with chest indrawing or fast breathing

Call 112 immediately for:

Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, wheezing, blue lips
Unresponsiveness or severe lethargy
Seizures
Petechial rash — small purple/dark-red spots that do not blanch under a glass
Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or unconsciousness
Suspected poisoning or accidental ingestion

What the doctor can do at home

Full paediatric examination including ear canal (otoscopy) and throat
Lung auscultation and oxygen saturation measurement
Rapid tests: Covid, influenza, streptococcus, Mono
Urine dipstick for suspected UTI
Antipyretic treatment (paracetamol or ibuprofen) in proper paediatric dose
Private prescription where indicated (antibiotics, asthma inhalers, etc.)
Referral to emergency department if hospital admission is needed

First measures at home

Temperature control: paracetamol (15 mg/kg every 6h) or ibuprofen (10 mg/kg every 8h) for comfort, not to achieve normal temperature
Fluids in small, frequent amounts (a teaspoon every 5 minutes is better than a glass at once if vomiting)
Light clothing, slightly cool room, no blankets
Rest — screens are acceptable if they help the child stay calm
Monitor urine output, alertness, and breathing rate

What not to do

No aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) under 18 years — risk of Reye's syndrome
No cold showers or ice packs for fever
No antibiotics without a doctor's indication
No home remedies with honey in children under 1 year (botulism risk)

Frequently asked questions

When is a child's fever dangerous?

In infants under 3 months any fever needs immediate attention. In older children: fever over 40 °C, fever over 3 days, or fever with red-flag symptoms (lethargy, breathing difficulty, rash, dehydration).

Can DoktorAkut prescribe antibiotics for my child?

Yes — when clinically indicated (bacterial tonsillitis, otitis media with fever, UTI). We follow DGKJ and AWMF guidelines and antibiotic-stewardship principles.

Do you do U-Untersuchungen?

No. U1–U11 statutory paediatric checks are performed by a permanent paediatrician (Kinderarzt). DoktorAkut handles acute illness only.

English-speaking children's doctor in Munich?

Yes. Our physicians speak fluent English — useful for international families and for older children who prefer English.

This article is general information only. In life-threatening emergencies call 112. For specific medical advice consult a paediatrician.

Sources: DGKJ (German Society for Paediatrics), AWMF guidelines, RKI, NICE.