Fever in Children (High Temperature)

WHAT IS IT?

Fever is a normal response to many illnesses, the most common being an infection in the body. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body's immune system fight off infection.

SYMPTOMS

Children with a temperature above 38.5°C
Babies under 3 months with a temperature 38°C
Other symptoms may include crying, irritable, more sleepy than usual, vomiting, refusing to drink, shivering, and in pain

TAKING YOUR CHILD'S TEMPERATURE

There are a number of ways you can take a child’s temperature with some methods being more suitable for particular age groups. Refer to the table down below.

Age	Recommended Technique	Normal temperature range
Birth to 2 years	First Choice: Rectum Second Choice: Armpit	Rectum: 36.6-38°C Armpit: 34.7-37.3°C
Between 2-5 years	First Choice: Rectum Second Choice: Ear	Rectum: 36.6-38°C Ear: 35.8-38°C
Older than 5 years	First Choice:Mouth Second Choice: Ear	Mouth: 35.5-37.5°C Ear: 35.8-38°C

TREATMENT FOR FEVER

Panadol (Paracetamol)

Dose strictly according to the label on the box
Space the doses 4-6 hours apart
Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours
Safe in infants above 1 month

Nurofen (Ibuprofen)

Dose strictly according to the label on the box
Space the doses 6-8 hours apart
Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours
Safe in infants above 3 months
Should be used with caution in babies or children with asthma

NON-MEDICINAL APPROACHES

Cold baths or showers are not recommended
Wiping your child’s forehead with a wet cloth soaked in slightly warm water may help to cool them down
Dress your child in just the right amount of clothing to ensure that they’re not too hot or cold
Ensure your child stays hydrated by having frequent small drinks, especially babies under 6 months

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Babies under 3 months with a temperature above 38°C
Children with a weakened immune system with a temperature above 38°C
Children with a temperature above 38.5°C
Fever lasting more than 2 days
Getting more unwell
Other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, rash, difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or light is hurting their eyes, convulsions (seizures)