child fever aftercare at home

Overview

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, often a normal response to an infection. In children, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is usually considered a fever. But how your child looks and acts matters more than the exact number.

Yes, very common. Most children have at least one fever before they start school.

Children of all ages, but it is most common in babies and young children under 5.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High temperature (feels hot to the touch)
• Chills or shivering
• Sweating
• Flushed cheeks

Symptoms in children

• Fussy or irritable
• Poor appetite and not drinking as much
• Sleepy or less active
• Crying more than usual
• Fast breathing or rapid heartbeat

Symptoms in older adults

• This article is about children. In older adults, fever can be a sign of a more serious illness and should be checked out promptly.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as colds, flu, or stomach bugs
• Bacterial infections, such as ear infections, sore throat, or urine infections
• Fever after receiving a vaccination – usually mild and short-lived
• Teething – can cause a slight rise in temperature, but not often above 38°C

Risk factors

• Being under 5 years old
• Attending nursery, preschool, or school
• Not being up to date on vaccinations
• Being around someone who is ill

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any fever in a baby under 3 months old
• Fever that lasts longer than 5 days
• Your child is not drinking enough to stay hydrated
• Your child has a known chronic condition, such as heart or lung disease

Book a routine appointment if:

• If the fever does not improve after 3 days, contact your GP practice
• If your child has a fever but is otherwise well, you can usually wait and see
• If you are worried or unsure for any reason, ask for advice

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and recent history, check their temperature, and look for signs of infection, such as a sore throat, earache, or rash. They will also check your child's breathing, heart rate, and how alert they are.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to check for an infection
• Blood test if a serious infection is suspected
• Throat swab if a bacterial throat infection is possible
• Chest X-ray if a chest infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain the likely cause and advise you on how to care for your child at home. They may tell you which symptoms to watch for and when to come back.

Treatment

The main goal is to keep your child comfortable while their immune system fights off the infection. You do not need to get the temperature back to normal. Home care with fluids and rest works for most children.

Self-care at home

• Give plenty of fluids – offer small sips often, such as water, milk, or an oral rehydration solution made for children
• Keep your child lightly dressed and the room at a comfortable temperature
• Encourage rest, but let your child relax quietly rather than forcing them to stay in bed
• Use a cool, damp cloth on their forehead if they feel too hot – but never use cold water baths or ice
• Monitor their temperature and symptoms, but focus on how they are acting

Medical treatments

If your child is uncomfortable or in pain, a fever-reducing medicine may be offered. Use it only as directed by a healthcare professional for your child's age and weight. Always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Do not give it more often than recommended.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for a simple fever. If a bacterial infection, such as an abscess, is the cause, a specialist may need to drain it, but this is rare.

Living with this condition

Check on your child regularly, keep them comfortable, and watch for signs that they are getting worse. Do not wake a sleeping child just to check a temperature.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your child home from nursery or school until the fever has gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine
• Encourage quiet activities like reading, drawing, or watching a film
• Wash hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection to others

Diet and exercise

Offer small, frequent sips of fluids. Do not force your child to eat, but offer light foods when they feel hungry. Rest is more important than exercise while the fever is present. Once the temperature has gone, they can gradually return to normal activities.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Seeing your child unwell can be stressful and frightening. It is normal to feel worried. Take breaks if you can, share care with a partner or family member, and be kind to yourself. If you feel very anxious, talking to a healthcare professional can bring reassurance.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all fevers, but good hygiene can help reduce the spread of infections.

Vaccines

Keeping your child's vaccinations up to date helps protect them against serious infections that can cause fever.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for fever in children. If your child is unwell, see a healthcare professional for a check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most fevers resolve without treatment. If a serious bacterial infection is the cause and it is not treated, complications such as dehydration, febrile seizures, or sepsis can occur.
• Febrile seizures are when a child's body shakes and they lose awareness. They can be scary but are usually not dangerous and do not cause lasting harm.
• Sepsis is a rare but life-threatening complication that requires urgent medical care.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with fever is very good. Most children recover fully within a few days with home care and support. Trust your instincts, keep an eye on your child, and reach out for help when you need it.

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