child fever workplace prevention

Overview

A fever is when the body's temperature rises above the normal range. It is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. In children, a temperature of 38°C or above is generally considered a fever.

Yes, fever is very common in childhood. Most children will have several fevers before they reach school age.

Children of any age can get a fever, but it is most common in babies and toddlers. Children in childcare or school settings are more likely to pick up infections that cause fever.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Temperature of 38°C or above
• Feeling hot, sweaty, or shivery
• Flushed face or warm forehead
• Headache or body aches
• Being irritable, clingy, or less playful
• Not wanting to eat or drink as usual

Symptoms in children

• Warm forehead and cheeks
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Less playful and more fussy
• Poor appetite or not feeding well
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Ear pain or pulling at ears

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever in older adults can be less obvious. Instead of feeling hot, they may feel confused, weak, or dizzy, and their temperature may be only slightly raised.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections such as colds, flu, and childhood viruses
• Bacterial infections such as ear infections, throat infections, or urine infections
• After vaccination (a mild fever can be normal)
• In rare cases, more serious infections such as meningitis or sepsis

Risk factors

• Being under 3 months old
• Going to nursery, daycare, or school
• Not being vaccinated against preventable infections
• Being around someone who is sick

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your child is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or above
• Your child has a fever and a purple rash that does not fade
• Your child is very drowsy, irritable, or difficult to wake
• Your child has trouble breathing or is breathing quickly
• Your child has had a seizure
• You think your child is severely dehydrated

Book a routine appointment if:

• Fever lasts for more than 3 days in a child under 2, or more than 5 days in older children
• Your child has ear pain, pain when peeing, or other specific discomfort
• You have any worry or feel that something is not right
• Your child has a fever after returning from abroad

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your child's symptoms, measure their temperature, and examine them. They will look for signs of infection and check how the child is doing overall.

Tests that may be done

• A urine test if a urine infection is suspected
• Blood tests to check for serious infection
• A chest X-ray if there are breathing concerns

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain what might be causing the fever and give you clear advice on how to care for your child at home. They will also tell you which warning signs to watch for and when to come back.

Treatment

The main goal is to keep your child comfortable while their body fights the infection. Fever itself is not dangerous and does not always need to be lowered. Do not wake a sleeping child just to give medicine.

Self-care at home

• Give plenty of fluids — for babies, breast milk or formula is best.
• Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
• Encourage rest, but do not force it.
• Offer small, frequent drinks if your child does not want a lot at once.
• Do not bundle your child up in blankets.
• Do not use cold baths, fans, or alcohol rubs to lower a fever.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about a suitable fever-relief medicine for your child's age and weight, if needed.

Medical treatments

If a healthcare professional finds a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, and the fever will settle on its own as the body recovers. Any medicine for fever should be given only as recommended by a healthcare professional.

When is surgery considered?

Not applicable. Surgery is not used to treat fever itself.

Living with this condition

While your child has a fever, check their temperature from time to time, keep an eye on how much they drink and how often they pass urine, and watch for changes in breathing or behaviour. Keep them comfortable and let them rest.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep the room cool and well-ventilated.
• Encourage handwashing before meals and after using the toilet.
• Keep your child away from people who are sick.
• Keep your child home from nursery or school while they have a fever, and for at least 24 hours after the fever has settled, to avoid spreading infection.
• In childcare or workplaces, follow infection-control guidelines and stay home when ill.

Diet and exercise

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids in small amounts, often. They may not feel like eating solid food, so offer light foods like soup or toast when they are hungry. While they are ill, rest is more important than exercise. Let them return to normal activity gradually as they feel better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel worried or anxious when your child has a fever, especially at night. Try to reassure yourself that most fevers are short-lived. Speak to a healthcare professional if your worry feels overwhelming.

Prevention

Not every fever can be prevented, but you can lower the risk of infections that cause fever by practicing good hand hygiene, keeping your child away from sick people, and keeping your child up to date with vaccinations. In childcare or workplaces, following infection-control policies and staying home when ill helps stop infections spreading.

Vaccines

Vaccination protects against many serious diseases that cause fever, such as flu, measles, and meningitis. Check your country's childhood vaccination schedule and keep your child's immunisations up to date.

Complications

If left untreated

• Fever itself rarely harms a child, but an untreated underlying infection can cause problems.
• Dehydration can happen if a child is not drinking enough.
• Febrile seizures can occur with a rapid rise in temperature, though they usually cause no lasting harm.
• If a serious bacterial infection is missed, it could develop into sepsis, which is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

For the vast majority of children, fever is a short-lived sign that the body is fighting off an infection. With rest, fluids, and loving care, children usually recover within a few days. Seeking timely medical advice means any rare serious infections are caught early, giving your child the best chance of a full recovery.

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