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)