child fever specialist tests overview

Overview

Fever is a rise in body temperature, often because the body is fighting an infection. In children, fever is common and usually not dangerous, but sometimes doctors need to do tests to find the cause.

Yes, fever is very common in children. Most children will have several fevers during their early years.

Fever can affect any child, but it is most common in infants and young children as their immune system is still developing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Warm or hot skin
• Flushed face
• Sweating or shivering
• Irritability or fussiness
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• High temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F)
• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Sleeping more or being hard to wake
• Refusing to drink or eat
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Symptoms in older adults

• Not applicable to children – this article focuses on children. For older adults with fever, separate guidance should be sought.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections (like colds, flu, or roseola)
• Bacterial infections (like ear infections, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia)
• Immunization (some vaccines can cause a mild fever)
• Teething (may cause a slight temperature increase, but not a high fever)

Risk factors

• Young age (especially under 6 months)
• Exposure to sick people
• Not being fully vaccinated
• Weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any child under 3 months with a fever
• Fever that lasts longer than 3 days
• Fever along with a rash, severe headache, or vomiting
• Child seems very unwell, is not feeding, or is unusually sleepy

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild fever in an older child who is otherwise well and playing
• Fever after vaccination that lasts less than 48 hours

Diagnosis

A doctor will assess your child's symptoms, check their temperature, and ask about their medical history. If they suspect a serious infection, they may recommend tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test – to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Urine test – to look for a urinary tract infection
• Chest X-ray – if pneumonia is suspected
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) – if meningitis is a concern
• Throat swab – to test for strep throat or other infections

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain each test before doing it. Tests are usually quick and most children recover quickly. You can stay with your child during many tests to comfort them.

Treatment

Treatment for fever in children depends on the cause. Most fevers are caused by viruses and do not need specific medicine. The goal is to make your child comfortable and watch for warning signs.

Self-care at home

• Keep your child cool by dressing them in light clothing and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
• Encourage your child to drink fluids often (breast milk, formula, or water).
• Let your child rest, but they can play quietly if they feel up to it.
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old.

Medical treatments

If a bacterial infection is found, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Do not use over-the-counter fever medicines without talking to a doctor first, especially in young infants. Follow the doctor's advice on when to use fever-reducing medicines.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for fever alone. It may be required if the fever is caused by a condition like appendicitis or an abscess, but that would be treated separately.

Living with this condition

Fever usually lasts 2 to 3 days. During that time, monitor your child's temperature, offer fluids, and comfort them. Most children return to normal activities once the fever goes away.

Lifestyle tips

• Ensure your child gets enough rest.
• Keep your child home from school or daycare until the fever has been gone for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medicine).
• Wash hands often to prevent spreading infections.

Diet and exercise

Offer light, easy-to-digest foods like soup, toast, or bananas. Do not force your child to eat. Once the fever is gone, they can return to their normal diet and activity level.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Fever can make children feel scared or irritable. Stay calm, offer reassurance, and comfort them. For older children, explain that fever is the body's way of fighting germs.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all fevers, but you can reduce the risk of infections that cause fever. Good hygiene and vaccinations help.

Vaccines

Keeping your child up to date with recommended vaccines can prevent many illnesses that cause fever, such as measles, chickenpox, and flu.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for fever in children. However, regular well-child visits help doctors monitor your child's health and catch any problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a serious bacterial infection is missed, it can lead to sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection).
• Febrile seizures (convulsions caused by high fever) – these are usually not harmful but can be frightening.
• Dehydration if the child does not drink enough fluids.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most children with fever is excellent. With proper care and attention, almost all children recover fully. Serious complications are rare, especially when medical advice is sought when needed.

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