<s>[INST] When should I take my child to the doctor? [/INST] If your child is less than 3 months old, they should be seen immediately if they have a fever.  Fever in this age group can be a sign of a serious bacterial infection and tests may need to be done to make the diagnosis.  For all other children, it is important to look at their symptoms and consider what is causing the fever.  Do they have a cold?  Is there vomiting and diarrhea?  For otherwise healthy children with straightforward viral symptoms, they do not need to be seen right away for a fever.  If there are concerning symptoms like trouble breathing, ear pain, severe abdominal pain or sore throat (to name a few), take your child in.  Any fever over 5 days or any fever without an obvious explanation should be evaluated.  The good news is that serious bacterial infections that used to cause fevers without an obvious source are now prevented by vaccines.  The best thing you can do for your child to prevent serious illness is to keep their vaccines up to date. Source: CPMG SANDIEGO. Link: https://cpmgsandiego.com/2014/12/10/faq-the-fever-issue/. Field: Infectious Disease. Disease: Fever </s>