Fever in Children: Home Care and Warning Signs

What counts as a fever in a child?

In children, a temperature of 38C or higher is treated as a high temperature, or fever. Use a thermometer rather than judging by touch, and note the reading and the time so you can see whether it is rising or falling.

A fever is a sign, not an illness on its own. Mayo Clinic points out that low-grade fevers are often left alone because the raised temperature may help the body deal with the germs causing the illness. How your child looks and behaves matters as much as the number on the thermometer.

How do I care for my child at home?

• Offer fluids often, in small amounts. If your baby is breastfed, carry on breastfeeding as normal.
• Offer food if your child wants it, but do not force it.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and use light bedding, such as a sheet or a thin blanket.
• Let your child rest, since activity pushes body temperature up.
• Check on your child regularly, including during the night.
• Keep your child at home while they are unwell.

Children's pain and fever medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used if your child is distressed or uncomfortable. Ask a pharmacist or doctor which one suits your child's age and weight, and follow the instructions on the packet. These medicines usually bring a temperature down within one to two hours, although a mild fever may remain.

What should I never do for a child's fever?

• Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16. In children it is linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.
• Do not undress your child or sponge them down to cool them.
• Do not pile on extra clothes or heavy bedding.
• Do not alternate ibuprofen and paracetamol unless a doctor or nurse has told you to.
• Paracetamol is not for babies under 2 months. Ibuprofen is not for babies under 3 months, babies weighing under 5kg, a child with chickenpox, or a child who is dehydrated.
• Do not give ibuprofen to a child with asthma unless a doctor has said it is safe for them.

How do I check for dehydration?

Watch for fewer wet nappies than usual, sunken eyes, and no tears when your child cries. A child who is drinking, passing urine normally and still responding to you is usually doing better than one who is refusing all fluids. Keep offering small sips rather than waiting for them to ask.

How long should a fever last?

Most fevers ease as the infection clears. A fever that carries on for 5 days or more should be checked, even if your child seems reasonably well, because it may point to something that needs treatment.

When to see a doctor

Get medical advice urgently if:

• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C or above
• your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or above
• the fever comes with a rash
• the fever lasts 5 days or more
• your child is not eating or drinking, or is not behaving like themselves
• there are signs of dehydration, such as far fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes or no tears

Some signs cannot wait. If your child has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, is bothered by light, has a fit (seizure) for the first time, has cold hands and feet, looks blue, grey, pale or blotchy, is very drowsy or hard to wake, is extremely agitated, is struggling to breathe, refuses to feed, or does not respond to you, treat it as an emergency: call Rescue 1122 where available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

If you are simply worried and cannot settle on an answer, that is reason enough to have your child seen. Parents often notice a change before any measurement does.