Fever

Fevers are extremely common in children, with between 40-60% suffering from a raised temperature each year. The body’s normal temperature is around 37°C. However, it can vary according to the time of day. If your child’s temperature is over 37.5°C when measured orally, or 38°C when taken rectally, they have a fever.24,25,29

A fever in children can often be a good sign. Generally, fevers happen when your child’s immune system is fighting off infections such as a cold or flu, coughs and ear infections. At the first sign of attack, the body’s defences launch infection-fighting chemicals into the blood. These chemicals also affect the body’s thermostat, which is located in the brain and called the hypothalamus.26,27

Taking children’s temperature

There are various ways to take children’s temperature and check for symptoms of fever:29

• Orally. The thermometer is inserted under the tongue, the mouth is closed and a reading is taken.
• Rectally. The thermometer is gently inserted into the rectum (child’s bottom) and a reading is taken.
• Armpits. The thermometer is placed under the armpit and the arm is held against the side of the body while a reading is taken.
• Ears. A digital thermometer is inserted into the ear and a reading is taken.

It is important to remember that the temperature can vary according to the part of the body where it is measured, so always take the temperature at the same site.