How to Measure Your Child’s Temperature

There are several ways to measure your child’s temperature, including using a digital thermometer under the armpit or in the mouth. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the thermometer to ensure an accurate reading.

Caring for Your Child at Home

When your child has a fever, make sure they are well-hydrated and get plenty of rest. You can also give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce their fever and provide comfort. Keep them comfortable with light clothing and blankets.

Recognizing When Medical Attention is Necessary

If your child’s fever is high or persistent, or if they are experiencing other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash, or lethargy, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of the fever and recommend appropriate treatment.

Why Fever Occurs

• A fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infections, but it can also indicate a more severe health issue.
• Children under three months with a fever need immediate medical assessment.
• Although a thermometer is useful for temperature checks, other methods can be used if one is not available.
• Adjust your child’s clothing to keep them comfortable based on their temperature.
• Administer medication as needed, following the prescribed dosage.
• Make sure your child stays hydrated by giving them plenty of fluids.
• Keep track of their symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if the fever persists or worsens.
• Monitor their temperature regularly and seek medical attention if it reaches a certain threshold.

Tips for Taking Temperature Readings

When using a digital thermometer, make sure to clean it before and after each use to ensure accurate readings. For ear thermometers, gently tug on the earlobe before inserting the thermometer for a more accurate reading. With infrared forehead thermometers, make sure to keep a consistent distance from the forehead for the best results.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your child’s temperature is persistently high or if they show other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing or severe pain, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Trust your instincts as a parent – if you feel that something is not right, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider.

Keeping Track of Temperature Changes

It’s helpful to keep a record of your child’s temperature readings, noting the time and method of measurement. This information can be valuable for healthcare professionals when assessing the severity of an illness. Consider using a temperature tracking app or a simple notebook to maintain a log of temperature changes.

Special Considerations for Infants

While babies experience fevers like older children, their ability to combat infections is not as strong. Babies under three months with a fever should be promptly examined by a healthcare professional.

If your baby feels abnormally cold, seek urgent medical assistance.

Emergency Situations

Most childhood fevers resolve quickly, but persistent fevers could indicate a more serious condition. Contact medical services if your child exhibits a prolonged fever accompanied by specific symptoms.

Tips for Comfort

To alleviate your child’s discomfort during a fever:

• Encourage additional rest
• Provide comforting gestures and support
• Offer fluids at regular intervals
• Adapt their clothing layers as needed
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature
• Use a cool damp cloth on the forehead if necessary

If worried, seek guidance from medical professionals.

Medication Caution

While medications can alleviate discomfort, they may not always be necessary. Evaluate symptoms before administering medication and adhere strictly to dosage instructions.

Exercise caution when using paracetamol and ibuprofen, especially for dehydrated children.

Consulting with Medical Practitioners

• Understanding fever’s root cause and treatment modalities
• Discussion points to raise during consultations
• Key questions to ask your healthcare provider
• How to properly monitor and track your temperature
• When to seek medical attention for a fever
• Common misconceptions about fevers

Essential Medical Visual Guides

• Visual representation of fever in infants and children
• Comprehensive details on fever management

Healthcare Equipment Guidance

• Choosing the right thermometer for temperature assessments
• Digital thermometers are easy to use and provide accurate readings within seconds. They are suitable for all ages, including infants and children.
• Ear thermometers are quick and convenient for taking a child’s temperature, but may not be as accurate as other types.
• Temporal artery thermometers are non-invasive and provide fast readings by scanning the forehead. They are suitable for all ages.
• Appropriate usage of fever-reducing medications
• Follow the recommended dosage on the medication packaging or as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a fever, as it can lead to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before giving fever-reducing medications to infants, young children, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

Preventing Hypothermia

It’s important to take precautions to prevent hypothermia, especially in cold weather conditions. Dress warmly, stay dry, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Learn more about hypothermia prevention on the Mayo Clinic website

Recognizing Symptoms of Hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and weak pulse. If you or someone you know shows these signs, seek immediate medical attention.

Visit the American Red Cross website for a comprehensive list of hypothermia symptoms

First Aid for Hypothermia

If someone is experiencing hypothermia, move them to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and cover them with blankets or dry clothes. Gradually warm the person and seek medical help if necessary.

Refer to the British Red Cross website for detailed first aid instructions for hypothermia

Health Disclaimer

External websites linked here do not fall under the responsibility of Healthdirect Australia.

It is important to note that the information provided on external websites may not be accurate or up to date. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health.

Additional Resources

• Visual aid on recognizing fever in babies and children
• Tips and strategies for managing fever in infants and kids
• Common misconceptions about fever in children

Further Guidance on Healthcare Instruments

• Choosing the right thermometer
• Proper use of fever-reducing medications

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If you have a high temperature, it could indicate an underlying condition, usually an infection.

In this article :

What is a fever?

Keep reading below for more information

What is a fever?

Your body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, and a fever means you have a higher temperature than usual.

A fever is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, such as a cold or the flu. It can also be a symptom of various medical conditions, so it’s important to monitor your temperature and consult a doctor if you have a prolonged or high fever.

What temperature is a fever?

Having a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher is considered a fever, but lower grades are also possible. Fevers are common in both children and adults and are often accompanied by sweating.

Find out more information below

What is a normal temperature?

The normal body temperature can vary during the day due to different factors. The average oral temperature is 37°C (98.6°F).

For more details, continue reading

What causes a fever?

Fever is the body’s response to infections or inflammations, making it hard for germs to survive.

Most fevers are caused by infections, with viral infections being a common culprit.

Fever caused by infections

Several conditions, including infections and illnesses like gastroenteritis and common childhood diseases, can lead to fevers.

If you have a fever from traveling abroad, seek medical advice as it could indicate a serious infection.

A child’s temperature can rise during teething, after vaccinations, or if they are too warm due to heavy bedding. Check out separate leaflets for more information on Teething, Immunisation, and Cot Death.

Fever caused by other conditions

Fever can also be caused by conditions other than infections, such as blood clots in the leg or lung. Explore separate leaflets for Deep vein thrombosis and Pulmonary embolism for more details.

Some health conditions that cause inflammation in the body can trigger fevers as well. Look into separate leaflets for Rheumatoid arthritis and Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Certain cancers can also induce a fever. Refer to the Cancer leaflet for more information.

If the cause of fever is unknown, it is called a fever of unknown origin.

Keep reading below

How common is a fever?

High temperatures (fevers) are common, especially in children. About 3 out of 10 young children experience a fever each year. Older adults are less likely to get a fever with infections, but those who do tend to recover quickly.

Fevers are the body’s natural response to infections and other illnesses. They help the immune system fight off germs and viruses. Most fevers are mild and go away on their own within a few days. However, it’s important to monitor the fever and seek medical attention if it is very high or persists for an extended period of time.

How do I take my temperature?

There are different ways to take a temperature, such as under the armpit or in the ear. Forehead thermometers are no longer recommended. Rectal thermometers are not widely used in the UK.

In children, fevers are common and usually resolve on their own.

Signs of fever

Using a thermometer is the most accurate way to check for a fever. However, certain signs like a hot forehead when touched, flushed cheeks, or feeling hotter than usual may also indicate a fever.

How to reduce a fever

Note: Fever often responds well to medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, these medicines do not cure a fever and the temperature may go back up when the medicine wears off.

Fever in adults

There are several other ways to help reduce a fever in adults:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Get plenty of rest
• Use a cool compress on your forehead or take a cool bath
• Avoid overdressing, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing
• Avoid using alcohol or caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration
• Monitor your temperature regularly

How do you deal with a fever in adults?

A high temperature typically comes with physical discomfort, and most people feel better with treatment. But in some cases, not treating the fever may help the body fight infections naturally. It’s important to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.

If the cause of the fever is known, treating the symptoms with medications can help. Antibiotics may be necessary for bacterial infections, although they won’t reduce the fever itself. If the cause is unclear, tests may be required.

Fever in children

How do you deal with a fever in children?

In children, paracetamol and ibuprofen are recommended only if the child is upset due to the fever. Tepid sponging is no longer recommended, and staying hydrated is crucial.

Note: Giving medications to children does not reduce the risk of fever-induced seizures. Refer to the Febrile Seizure leaflet for more information.

When should you see a doctor about a fever?

Note: Fever itself is not harmful. Seek medical advice if:

• Your child is under 3 months old

• Your child is 3-6 months old with a fever of 39 degrees or higher

• Your child has a fit

• There is a non-blanching rash

• The person becomes more unwell

• The fever lasts more than five days

• There is no obvious cause of the fever

• There is a potential bacterial infection