school age with fever

Overview

A fever is when the body’s temperature rises above its normal level. In children, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is usually considered a fever. It is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, such as a cold or flu. Fever itself is not an illness – it is a symptom and often helps the body heal.

Yes. Fever is very common in school-age children. Most children will have several fevers each year, especially if they are in school or around other children.

It affects children between about 5 and 12 years old. At this age, children are exposed to many infections from classmates and friends, and their immune systems are still developing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Warm, flushed skin
• Sweating or chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches and tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Feeling generally unwell or grumpy

Symptoms in children

• Clinginess or wanting extra comfort
• Being less active or more sleepy than usual
• Fussiness or irritability
• Complaining of a sore throat or ear pain
• Slightly faster breathing or heartbeat than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• This article is about school-age children. Older adults may have different fever patterns, and the advice here is not for them. If you care for an older adult with a fever, contact a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections like colds, flu, and stomach bugs – the most common cause in school-age children
• Bacterial infections such as strep throat, ear infections, or urinary tract infections
• Inflammation from conditions like tonsillitis or an infected cut
• Immunizations – mild fever can occur after some vaccines
• Overheating from heavy clothing or very hot weather, though this is less common

Risk factors

• Starting or attending school where infections spread easily
• Being around siblings or classmates who are sick
• Not being up-to-date on routine childhood vaccinations
• Having a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment
• Not getting enough rest or proper nutrition, which can lower resistance

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Fever that goes away and then comes back
• Your child has a fit (seizure)
• Your child is in pain or extremely uncomfortable
• Signs of dehydration – dry lips, sunken eyes, no tears, or not urinating
• A rash that does not go away when pressed with a glass
• If your child has a serious pre-existing health condition

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child is over 3 months and has a fever but otherwise seems well, you can usually care for them at home and watch them closely.
• You may also book a routine appointment if your child has a fever every few weeks with no clear cause.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's symptoms, take their temperature, and do a physical exam. They will feel for swollen glands, look at the throat and ears, check breathing, and ask about how your child is behaving. Often the doctor can identify a likely cause just from this.

Tests that may be done

• A urine test to check for a bladder or kidney infection
• A throat swab to test for strep tonsillitis
• A blood test to look for signs of infection or inflammation
• A chest X-ray if a respiratory infection or pneumonia is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain likely causes and recommend supportive care. They may also advise you what warning signs to watch for and when to come back. Most children do not need any tests, but if a more serious infection is suspected, simple tests can help guide the right treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for a fever in a school-age child is mostly about comfort and supporting the immune system. Antibiotics are only needed if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. There is no cure for a viral fever – it just needs to run its course.

Self-care at home

• Offer plenty of fluids – water, diluted juice, or oral rehydration drinks are good choices.
• Encourage rest, but do not force your child to stay in bed if they feel like playing quietly.
• Dress your child in light, comfortable clothing and keep the room comfortably cool.
• Use a cool (not cold) compress on their forehead if that feels soothing.
• Avoid heavy blankets and hot baths, as these can raise the temperature.
• Let your child eat if they want, but do not force food if they are not hungry.

Medical treatments

In some cases, a doctor may recommend an over-the-counter fever reducer for comfort – always follow the doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice about the right type and amount for your child’s age and weight. If a bacterial infection is found, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Do not give aspirin to a child under 16 without medical advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for fever itself. In rare cases, surgery may be needed for a complication like an abscess or a severe ear infection, but this is not related to the fever being treated.

Living with this condition

Your child’s fever will usually improve within 3 to 4 days. During this time, be ready to comfort them, monitor their temperature, and help them drink. Keep them home from school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours and your child feels well enough to return.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a calm and soothing environment at home.
• Encourage regular sleep and naps.
• Keep up with usual daily activities gradually as your child feels better.
• Wash hands often to avoid spreading germs to others in the household.

Diet and exercise

Your child may not feel like eating much, and that is okay. Focus on drinking enough fluids. When appetite returns, offer light, easy-to-digest foods like soups, toast, or rice. Avoid heavy, greasy foods until they feel better. Exercise is not recommended during an illness – resting is more helpful at this time.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being sick can make some children feel anxious, scared, or frustrated because they cannot play and go to school as usual. Give them extra attention, read stories, and reassure them they are safe. Let them know that feeling grumpy or tired during a fever is normal and they will soon be back to themselves.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent fevers, because they are a normal reaction to infections. But you can reduce the chances of infections by encouraging good hand hygiene, keeping your child home when sick, and avoiding close contact with people who are unwell.

Vaccines

Make sure your child’s routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Vaccines protect against several serious infections that can cause fever, such as flu, meningitis, and some types of pneumonia.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for fever. If your child often gets fevers with no clear reason, your doctor might suggest further tests to look for an underlying cause. This is not routine and would only be done if needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids
• Febrile seizures – a fit caused by a rapid rise in temperature, usually harmless but alarming
• A bacterial infection that is not treated could spread and become more serious
• Prolonged fever that leads to tiredness and muscle weakness

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a school-age child with a fever is very good. Most fevers go away on their own within a few days as the body fights the infection. With simple home care, love, and attention, almost all children recover fully and return to normal activities. Serious complications are rare, especially when you watch for warning signs and seek help when needed.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS – Fever in Children ↗ · United Kingdom

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