Fever In Children Infographic

Overview

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. In children, it is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Most fevers are not harmful and get better on their own, but it is important to know when to get help.

Yes. Fever is one of the most common reasons parents and carers seek health advice for children.

It can affect children of any age. Young babies and children with long-term health conditions need extra care.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling hot to touch
• Flushed or pale skin
• Sweating or shivering
• Tiredness or irritability
• Poor appetite
• Headache or body aches
• Thirst

Symptoms in children

• Being clingier or more sleepy than usual
• Refusing feeds or drinks
• Vomiting or loose stools
• Earache or sore throat
• A rash
• Febrile seizure (fit) in some children — seek urgent advice

Symptoms in older adults

• This article is about children. Older adults can also develop fever, but their signs and care needs are different. An older adult with fever should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as colds and flu-like illnesses
• Bacterial infections, such as ear infections, throat infections, or urine infections
• Childhood illnesses that can be prevented by vaccines
• Reactions after some vaccinations
• Less often, heat illness, inflammatory conditions, or other medical problems

Risk factors

• Being around other children, such as at nursery or school
• Not having routine childhood vaccinations
• Having a weakened immune system or a long-term health condition
• Being a young baby, especially under 3 months

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher
• Child looks very unwell, is floppy, or is hard to wake
• Signs of dehydration
• Breathing problems
• Rash that does not fade under pressure
• Seizure
• Fever with stiff neck or severe headache
• Fever lasting more than 5 days
• You feel something is seriously wrong

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild fever with cold symptoms while your child is drinking and playful
• Questions about temperature measurement or fever care
• Mild fever after vaccination with mild fussiness
• You want advice about when your child can return to nursery or school

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will ask about your child's symptoms, check their temperature, and watch how they look and behave. They may examine the ears, throat, chest, skin, and sometimes check a urine sample. The exact temperature is only one part of the picture.

Tests that may be done

• Temperature check
• Physical examination
• Urine test if a urine infection is suspected
• Blood tests or other tests if the child is very unwell or has a long-lasting fever
• Tests for specific infections if needed

What to expect at your appointment

Most visits are quick and reassuring. Your clinician will explain what they think is causing the fever and give advice on home care and when to come back. If more tests are needed, they will explain why.

Treatment

The main aim is to keep your child comfortable and hydrated while their body fights the infection. Treat the child, not just the number on the thermometer. Always follow advice from a pharmacist, doctor, or local health service.

Self-care at home

• Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, milk, or oral rehydration drinks if advised
• Let your child rest and dress them in light clothing
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid overheating
• Check on your child regularly, including during the night
• Use a fever-reducing medicine only if your child is uncomfortable and it is suitable for their age — ask a pharmacist or doctor
• Do not use cold baths or cold sponging to bring down fever
• Never give medicines intended for adults to a child

Medical treatments

Most fevers do not need medical treatment. If a bacterial infection is found, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections. For children who are very unwell or dehydrated, treatment in hospital may be needed. Always ask a healthcare professional before giving any medicine to a baby under 3 months.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually part of treating a fever. It may be needed only if a specific complication or underlying condition requires it.

Living with this condition

Fever often makes children tired and clingy. Keep days quiet, offer drinks often, and check on your child regularly. Most fevers settle within a few days.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a simple symptom diary if you are worried
• Have a working thermometer and know how to use it
• Keep your child home from nursery or school while they are unwell and have a fever
• Wash hands regularly to reduce spread of infection

Diet and exercise

Offer frequent small drinks and light foods if your child is hungry. Do not force food. Rest is more important than exercise while the fever is active. Children can return to normal activity when they feel well again.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Looking after a child with fever can be worrying and exhausting. It is normal to feel anxious, especially at night. Take turns with another carer if you can, and ask for help. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, contact your local health service or crisis support.

Prevention

Not all fevers can be prevented, because infections are part of childhood. But good hygiene, routine vaccinations, and keeping away from people who are unwell can lower the chance of some infections.

Vaccines

Routine childhood vaccinations protect against several serious infections that can cause fever. Follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your local health service.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for fever itself. Healthcare professionals check for the cause of a fever when a child is unwell.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration if a child does not drink enough
• Febrile seizures, which are frightening but usually harmless
• A serious bacterial infection if the infection causing the fever is not treated
• Rarely, longer-term problems from severe infections

Long-term outlook

Most children with fever recover fully within a few days. With good fluids, rest, and knowing when to seek advice, you can care for your child with confidence. If you are ever worried, ask for help early.

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