Fever
Fever; temperature; degrees; infection; virus; aspirin; paracetamol; Reye's; syndrome; bath; drinks; thermometer; fit; convulsion; febrile; shiver; sponge; illness; ibuprofen; low;
Contents
Fever is present when the temperature of the body rises above normal.
- The normal body temperature varies between about 35.8ºC and 37.4ºC.
- A fever is considered to be a temperature above 38ºC when taken under the arm or in the mouth.
What causes fever?
Fever is a way in which the body fights infection and it does not always mean your child has a serious illness.
- Fevers are common in children and are usually due to infection. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Some infections are due to bacteria and some of these may need antibiotics.
- It is normal for a child to have many mild infections which cause fever. The average child has five to ten viral infections each year. The younger the child, the more often they occur.
When to take your child's temperature
- When your child feels warmer than usual.
- When your child is irritable and miserable.
- When your child looks unwell.
How to take your child's temperature
Under the arm (axillary) temperature
- This is the best way to check temperature in children. It can be used for all children.
- Place the thermometer high in the armpit and then place the arm down by the side.
- Read the thermometer after 3 minutes – OR follow the manufacturer's instructions with the electronic type.
Mouth (oral) temperature
Can be used for children older than 5 years:
- Place the thermometer as far under the tongue as possible and have your child keep their mouth closed around the thermometer.
- Read the thermometer after 3 minutes – OR follow the manufacturer's instructions with the electronic type.
- Do not use this method if your child has recently had a hot or cold drink.
Ear (tympanic) temperature
Temperature may be checked using a special ear thermometer. This method is not as accurate as the arm or oral methods.
What to do for the fever
Fever alone does not harm your child. It will often make your child feel uncomfortable and miserable.
To make your child feel better you can:
- dress your child lightly or take off most of their clothes to allow cooling. Avoid fans and draughts
- encourage your child to drink clear fluids
- paracetamol may be helpful if your child's temperature is raised or your child is miserable, but it is not always needed. It may make your child feel better but does not always reduce the temperature.
- ibuprofen is another medication which can be given for fever. There is no benefit in giving your child ibuprofen together with, or instead of, paracetamol OR in giving ibuprofen by alternating doses with paracetamol doses.
Have a look at the topic 'Using paracetamol or ibuprofen'.
Aspirin should not be used to treat fever.
Tepid sponging is not recommended.
- Tepid sponging (sponging with warm water) does not bring a child's temperature down for long; it will go back up as soon as the sponging is stopped.
- Sponging does not affect the part of the brain that controls temperature.
- Using cool water can be uncomfortable for a child, and if the child cries or shivers, the body temperature usually goes up, not down.
Never place a sleeping, drowsy, or unconscious child or baby in a bath.
Most importantly
Children may not understand why they are feeling ill and will need extra care and reassurance. If your child is irritable and upset, this may be difficult, but it is one of the most useful things you can do.
When to take your child to the doctor
Children with fevers are usually quieter and less active than usual.
See your doctor if:
- your child is looking more ill than before
- your child is more difficult to wake up
- your child has a rash
- your child has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- your child will not drink
- a high fever persists even though you have given paracetamol or ibuprofen
- your child has pain
- you are worried in any way.
All babies under 12 months with fever should be seen by a doctor
If a child has a convulsion (fit)
Children under 6 years of age may have a fit or febrile convulsion. This is usually due to the temperature rising rapidly, not always the actual height of the temperature itself.
These fits are frightening to watch, but generally will not cause harm to your child. Most fits caused by a fever will stop within 5 minutes. However, it is still important to see your doctor to make sure that the cause of the fever does not require specific treatment.
For more information have a look at the topic 'Febrile convulsions - fits caused by fever'.
How much paracetamol?
Work out the amount of paracetamol your child needs by using the information on the bottle.
- Do not give more than 5 doses each 24 hours.
- There are many mixtures which contain paracetamol in different strengths. Carefully check the amount of your product to give.
- Be careful – some cough and cold products already contain paracetamol.
The topic 'Using paracetamol or ibuprofen' has more information about these medicines.
How much ibuprofen?
Work out the amount of ibuprofen your child needs by using the information on the bottle.
- There are many mixtures which contain ibuprofen in different strengths. Carefully check the amount of your product to give.
- Do not give more than 3 doses each 24 hours.
The topic 'Using paracetamol or ibuprofen' has more information about these medicines.
Reference
- Paediatric Emergency & Pharmacy Departments, Women & Children's Hospital South Australia April 2007.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex.