Fever in Children

What is a fever?

A fever is an increase in your child’s body temperature. It is part of the body’s normal response to infections, and it plays an important role in fighting such infections. Your child’s temperature will return to normal when the infection has gone.

A child’s normal body temperature is 36.5°C–37.5°C when measured under their arm. A temperature of over 38°C indicates a fever.

Fever in babies can be a sign of serious illness or infection. If your child is 3 months or under and has a fever of 38°C or above, or if your child seems very sick, they need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

Types of thermometers
There are several different types of thermometers available. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to offer you advice. Always follow the instructions that come with the thermometer.

Digital thermometers:
These are easy to use and beep when they’re ready. Some also bend to mould into the shape of a child’s underarm. Taking your child's temperature under the arm is recommended as the easiest and safest method for young children, but may be up to 1°C lower than temperatures measured by mouth (a method suitable only for older cildren).

Infrared thermometers:
These are quicker (almost instantaneous) and easier to use and read, but more expensive. There are two types:

• Those inserted in their ear – these can be useful for older children but are not suitable for newborns as their ears are so small.
• Those held up against their temple (non-contact). An advantage of these is that you can use them while your child is asleep, although they may be inaccurate.
  

What else can you do when your child has a fever?

• Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, you can give them a temperature-lowering medicine such as paracetamol (See ‘Using medicine’).
• Offer your child regular drinks (where a baby is breastfed, the most appropriate fluid is breast milk).
• Look for signs of dehydration – sunken fontanel (soft spot on a baby’s head), dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, and fewer wet nappies than normal. If your baby has signs of dehydration, take them to hospital immediately.
• Do not under or over dress your child. If they are shivering or sweating a lot add more or less clothing accordingly.
• Sponging your child with luke-warm or cold water is not recommended.
• Check your child regularly for rashes and to see if they are getting better. If a rash appears or if you are concerned that your child is not improving, contact your doctor for advice.
• If your child attends daycare, it’s best to keep them at home while they have a fever and notify the daycare centre of the illness.
  

When it is an emergency

You should take your child to hospital or call 000 for an ambulance if:

• they have severe vomiting and can’t keep down any fluids.
• they have difficulty swallowing.
• they have fast breathing or difficulty breathing.
• they have a bulging fontanel (the soft spot on the head in babies).
• they are having fits or convulsions (jerky, uncontrollable movements).
• they are unconscious (you can’t wake them up).
• they have a fever and their neck seems very stiff or rigid.
• they have a fever together with a rash.