For someone else, and special topics
Your child is unwell
Hea shows the NHS's signs to call 999 first, then asks you, the parent, the questions for your child's problem and shows where the NHS says to go. It never tells you your child is fine.
If your child has signs of a life-threatening illness or you think it's an emergency, call 999 now. If you need help for a child under 5, call 111: 111 online is for people aged 5 and over.
Free in the beta · Works inside the AI you already use · Last reviewed 5 November 2026
Fever, cough, rash, tummy bug — is it 999, NHS 111, your GP or a pharmacist? At 2am, with a hot, unsettled child, it's hard to think straight. You want the right questions, in the right order, with the urgent signs first.
How Hea helps
The 999 signs first, every time Today
Before any other question, Hea shows the NHS's list of signs to call 999 for a child, such as a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it. You tick what you see.
Questions for your child's age and problem Today
For a child aged 1 to 11 with a high temperature, a rash, a cough or croup, earache, or diarrhoea and vomiting, Hea asks you the questions for that problem. For a baby under 1, it shows only where the NHS says to go.
Where the NHS says to go Today
999, A&E, NHS 111, your GP surgery, a health visitor or a pharmacist, in the NHS's own words for your child's age.
A note for the GP, prepared by you Today
Hea writes a note about your child, prepared by you as parent or carer. Nothing about your child goes into what Hea remembers.
What it looks like
Hea, my child is unwell
What you’ll get
- The NHS's 999 signs for children, before any question
- The questions for your child's problem, for ages 1 to 11
- Where the NHS says to go for your child's age, in its own words
- A note for the GP, prepared by you
Safety first
Call 999 if your child has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, difficulty breathing, is drowsy and hard to wake, or is not responding like they normally do. These are some of the signs on the NHS list.
Call 111 if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature.
111 online is for people aged 5 and over. For a child under 5, call 111.
Questions people ask
When should I call 999 for my child?
Call 999 if your child has any of the signs on the NHS list. They include a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, a fit for the first time, difficulty breathing, being drowsy and hard to wake, or not responding like they normally do. Hea shows the whole list first, every time.
Can I use 111 online for my child?
Only if your child is 5 or over. The NHS says 111 online is for people aged 5 and over, and to call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
What temperature is too high for a baby?
The NHS says to call 111 if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature. Call 111 too if a high temperature has lasted 5 days or more.
Can a pharmacist help my child?
Yes, for some problems, without a GP appointment. Through Pharmacy First, pharmacists can help with earache from age 1 to 17, impetigo and infected insect bites from age 1, a sore throat from age 5 and sinusitis from age 12.
What ages does Hea cover?
Hea is for adults, so you answer for your child. For ages 1 to 11, it asks the children's questions for a high temperature, a rash, a cough or croup, earache, or diarrhoea and vomiting. For a baby under 1, or a problem Hea has no children's questions for, it shows where the NHS says to go for that age; for 12 to 17, it asks the adult questions about your child.
Will Hea tell me my child is OK?
No. Hea never tells you your child is fine. It shows the NHS's signs and where the NHS says to go, and writes a note for whoever sees your child. If your child is not their usual self and you're worried, the NHS says to call 111.
Start with this question in your AI.
If your child has signs of a life-threatening illness or you think it's an emergency, call 999 now. If you need help for a child under 5, call 111: 111 online is for people aged 5 and over.
Join Hea, add it to Claude or ChatGPT, and your chat opens with this question ready.
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Sources
- NHS: High temperature (fever) in children, Page last reviewed: 3 January 2024
- NHS: When to use NHS 111 online or call 111, Page last reviewed: 14 November 2022
- NHS: How pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First), Page last reviewed: 30 July 2024