When the body temperature rises above 38°C, it indicates a fever. This article focuses on fever specifically in children.
Symptoms of Fever in Children
Common symptoms of fever in children include an elevated body temperature, feeling hot to the touch, chills, and having red or flushed skin. The severity of illness is not necessarily indicated by the actual temperature level.
Measuring Temperature
For children under 4 weeks old, use an electronic thermometer in the armpit, and for children between 4 weeks and 5 years old, there are various thermometer options available.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any type of thermometer to ensure an accurate reading. For older children and adults, oral, ear, and forehead thermometers are commonly used. It is also important to clean and sanitize the thermometer after each use to prevent the spread of germs.
NICE Guidelines for Fever
NICE guidelines segment fever symptoms into green (low risk), amber (medium risk), and red (high risk) categories to assist in assessing illness severity.
Signs of Severity
Determine severity based on signs such as changes in color, responsiveness, breathing rate, and circulation.
Common Causes of Fever
The most common causes of fever in children are viral infections, followed by bacterial infections, inflammatory conditions, reactions, immunizations, and other types of infections.
Body’s Response to Infection
Fever is the body’s way of defending against infections, with the hypothalamus controlling the response to bacteria or viruses.
Prevalence and Impact of Fever
Fever is prevalent in children under 5 years old and can lead to hospitalization, causing anxiety for parents.
It is estimated that nearly 50% of children under 5 years old will experience a fever at some point. Fevers are often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, but they can also be caused by other factors such as teething or exposure to extreme temperatures.
When a child’s fever is high or persistent, it can lead to hospitalization for monitoring and treatment. This can be a stressful and worrying time for parents, as they want their child to receive the best care possible.
It is important for parents to monitor their child’s temperature, provide comfort measures such as fluids and rest, and seek medical attention if the fever is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Overall, fever is a common occurrence in young children and can have a significant impact on both the child and their parents. By staying informed and taking appropriate actions, parents can help their children recover quickly and safely from fevers.
Medical Assessment of Fever
Healthcare providers will investigate the cause of fever through history, examination, and necessary tests based on symptom severity.
When assessing a patient with a fever, healthcare providers will typically ask about the onset and duration of the fever, as well as any associated symptoms such as chills, fatigue, or body aches. They will also inquire about any recent travel history or exposure to sick contacts.
During the physical examination, healthcare providers will check for signs of infection, such as red throat, swollen lymph nodes, or rash. They may also listen to the patient’s lungs and heart, and examine the abdomen for tenderness.
Based on the history and examination findings, healthcare providers may order laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, blood cultures, or imaging studies like chest x-ray or ultrasound. These tests can help identify the underlying cause of the fever, whether it be an infection, inflammatory condition, or other medical issue.
Further Testing
If symptoms are uncertain or show signs of severity, additional tests may be necessary. This can be due to concerns about infections like meningitis or uncertainty in diagnosis.
If needed, you may be advised to visit the pediatric ward or Emergency department. In case your child is very unwell, an ambulance will be summoned. Otherwise, you may be instructed to drive to the facility, which could be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
At the ward, your child will undergo various tests depending on their condition and the findings of the doctors during assessment.
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If your baby under 3 months old has a fever exceeding 38℃, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s important to note that fevers in young babies can be a sign of a serious infection and should be taken seriously. Monitoring your baby’s temperature and seeking medical advice promptly is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Key facts
- Fever is a part of the body’s immune response usually triggered by infections.
- It results in high temperature, sweating, and chills.
- You can use a thermometer to check for fever.
- Rest, maintain a cool environment, and stay hydrated if you have a fever.
- If you experience severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or a stiff neck, seek medical attention.
What is a fever?
A fever occurs when the body temperature is higher than normal. The normal range is between 36℃ to 37℃, depending on factors like age, activity, and time of day.
If your temperature is 38℃ or above, you likely have a fever. Diagnosis involves taking temperature with different thermometers. Ensure the thermometer is clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For guidance on caring for a child with fever, refer to the Fever in children section for more information.
Additional tips for managing a fever include staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and taking over-the-counter fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if necessary. It is important to monitor the fever closely and seek medical advice if it persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
What symptoms are related to a fever?
Having a fever signals the body’s immune response. Symptoms may include sweating, chills, shivering, and muscle/joint aches.
What causes a fever?
Fever is commonly caused by viral infections, but bacterial infections can also be responsible. Utilize the Symptom Checker for advice on seeking medical assistance.
How is the cause of a fever diagnosed?
Doctors determine the cause of fever by inquiring about symptoms, conducting examinations, and performing tests based on associated symptoms.
It is important to inform your doctor if you have recently traveled abroad, as this information can help in diagnosing the cause of your fever, especially if you may have been exposed to certain infectious diseases prevalent in other countries.
When should I see my doctor?
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above 38℃, seek immediate medical attention.
If a fever persists for more than three days despite self-care, consult a doctor. Seek medical attention if specific conditions or concerns accompany the fever.
When to seek urgent care
If adults experience fever along with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, etc., they should go to the emergency department. For children with fever, visit the emergency department when specific signs are present.
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How is fever treated?
Self-care at home
If you have a high temperature, there are ways to manage the condition. If worried or if the fever persists, consult a doctor.
Stay Hydrated
Keep hydrated by consuming clear fluids and maintaining a comfortable room temperature.
Stay Cool
Avoid strenuous activity, rest, and refrain from cold baths during a fever.
Medicines for fever
Exercise caution with fever medication and pain relief drugs if necessary. Verify the safety of medications based on medical conditions, other drugs taken, and pregnancy/breastfeeding status.
Can fevers be prevented?
Fevers are a typical immune response to illness. Seek medical attention if the fever persists or is accompanied by alarming symptoms.
Complications of fever
Febrile convulsions in children arise from a fever triggered by a rapid temperature increase. Consult a doctor if concerned about febrile convulsions.
Resources and support
Contact the healthdirect helpline or NURSE-ON-CALL for any concerns about symptoms. Available 24/7 for discussions with a registered nurse.
Sources:
Various healthcare providers
Last reviewed: March 2024
Recommended links
- Medication recommendations for children
- 5 questions to ask your doctor
Related pages
- Infographic on Fever in babies and children
- Information about Fever in children
Search our site for
- Types of thermometers
- Medicines for fever
- Guidelines for taking a temperature
- Common causes of fever
- Home remedies for fever relief
- When to seek medical attention for a fever
Need more information?
Explore more detailed information on the subject from reliable partners.
Fever and high temperature: kids and teens | Raising Children Network
When your child’s temperature surpasses 38°C, it likely indicates a fever signaling an underlying illness. Learn what steps to take when your child has a fever.
Fever in Children – Rahma Health
A fever is identified as a temperature above 38 degrees celsius.
Fever – Better Health Channel
A mild fever up to 39℃ can actually aid the immune system in combating infections.
Details about typhoid fever can be found on the MyDoctor website.
Fever involves the body temperature rising above normal. Learn about taking your baby’s temperature, what constitutes a normal temperature for a baby, fever causes and treatments. Understand when to seek medical help and how to treat a fever at home. Get information on febrile convulsions or seizures, and hypothermia. Find more resources on external websites.
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