child fever at night

Overview

A fever is a temporary rise in your child's body temperature. It is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. At night, fevers can seem more worrying because you may be checking on your child often, and body temperature naturally tends to be higher in the late evening.

Yes. Fever is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical advice. Almost every child will have a fever at some point, especially in the early years.

Fever can affect children of any age, but it is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children under the age of five. This is because their immune systems are still learning to fight off many everyday infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher measured with a thermometer
• Warm or flushed skin
• Sweating or shivering
• Feeling hot to the touch, especially on the forehead or back

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or irritability
• Sleepiness or looking 'glassy-eyed'
• Poor appetite or reduced drinking
• Clinging to a parent or wanting comfort
• Shivering or chills
• Sometimes a mild cough or runny nose

Causes

Main causes

• Common viral infections, such as colds, flu, or respiratory infections
• Bacterial infections, such as ear infections, urine infections, or throat infections
• Childhood vaccines (some children develop a mild fever after vaccination)
• Teething can cause a very slight rise in temperature, but usually not a real fever

Risk factors

• Being under 5 years old
• Attending daycare or school where germs spread easily
• Not being up to date with childhood immunisations
• Close contact with someone who has a fever or infection

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number immediately if your child has any of the emergency signs listed above.
• Contact your doctor or out-of-hours service same day if your baby is under 3 months with a fever.
• Seek medical advice if your child is over 3 months and has a fever lasting more than 72 hours.
• Contact a doctor if your child is in severe pain, has a stiff neck, or a purple rash.
• Seek help if your child appears dehydrated, is not drinking, or has not passed urine in several hours.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment with your child’s doctor if the fever is mild but you are concerned.
• Talk to a nurse or pharmacist if you need advice on how to keep your child comfortable at home.
• Book a check-up if your child seems to be getting frequent fevers without other symptoms.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's temperature, how long the fever has lasted, and other symptoms like cough, pain, or rash. They will examine your child by looking in their ears, throat, and chest, and by checking their skin for rashes.

Tests that may be done

• A urine sample to check for a bladder or kidney infection
• A blood test to check for signs of infection
• A nose or throat swab to look for viral infections
• Chest X-ray if a breast or lung infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may want to check your child's temperature again and assess how alert and responsive they are. Depending on your child's age and symptoms, they may suggest a quick urine or blood test. You will usually get advice on how to care for your child at home and when to come back if things do not improve.

Treatment

The main goal is to help your child feel comfortable, not to make the fever disappear. Offer fluids, rest, and light clothing. You can also talk to your doctor or pharmacist about fever-reducing medicine that is safe for your child's age and weight.

Self-care at home

• Offer plenty of fluids, like water, milk, or diluted juice, little and often.
• Keep your child lightly dressed rather than wrapped in blankets.
• Let your child rest, but do not force bed rest.
• Check your child regularly through the night.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and well ventilated.
• Never use cold baths, sponges, or fans to bring a fever down.

Medical treatments

If a healthcare provider recommends it, you may give an over-the-counter fever-reducing medicine that is appropriate for your child's age and weight. Always ask your pharmacist or doctor for the right type and dose for your child. Never give aspirin to a child under 16 years old. Do not give more than the recommended number of doses in 24 hours.

Living with this condition

While your child has a fever, focus on keeping them comfortable, hydrated, and reassured. You may need to wake your child to offer a drink, but you do not need to wake them just to check the temperature repeatedly. Trust your observations of them more than the thermometer.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage quiet activities like reading or watching a film.
• Keep your child away from childcare or school until the fever has gone and they feel better.
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading the infection to others.
• Have a digital thermometer at home so you can check temperature accurately.

Diet and exercise

Your child may not feel hungry, and that is fine. Offer small, light meals like toast or soup if they want food. Do not push heavy meals or exercise during a fever. Make sure they get extra rest until their temperature settles.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Seeing your child with a fever can be frightening and stressful. It is normal to worry, especially at night. Remember that most fevers are harmless. If you are very anxious, reach out to a healthcare professional for reassurance.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every fever, but you can reduce the chance of your child catching infections that cause fever. Good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with unwell people all help.

Vaccines

Making sure your child receives their recommended vaccinations protects against several serious infections that can cause fever. Talk to your doctor or public health nurse if you have questions about the vaccine schedule.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration if your child does not drink enough
• Febrile seizure (a fit brought on by a sudden rise in temperature in some children)
• Underlying bacterial infections, such as ear, chest, or urine infections, could get worse without treatment

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a child with a fever is usually excellent. Most fevers last only a few days and end with a full recovery. Even serious illnesses that cause fever can be treated effectively when the right help is sought early. You are doing a good job by watching over your child and getting support when you need it.

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