Fever Management

• Managing a child’s fever
• Indications for taking a child to a doctor

Understanding Fever

A typical body temperature is approximately 37 degrees Celsius, with anything above 38 degrees considered a mild fever and over 39 degrees regarded as a high fever.

Different Types of Thermometers

Utilize digital thermometers for all age groups

Use ear thermometers for older children

Employ infrared forehead thermometers for checking forehead temperature

Alternative Temperature Check

In the absence of a thermometer, assess temperature by feeling the neck.

Teething and Fever

Fevers coinciding with teething may be indicative of illness.

Fever in Babies

Immediate attention is necessary for babies under 3 months with fever.

Look out for signs like feeling colder than usual.

Other symptoms to watch for include irritability, difficulty waking up, poor feeding, and a high-pitched cry.

It is important to monitor your baby’s temperature regularly and contact a healthcare provider if you notice any concerning symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Unusual symptoms paired with fever require immediate medical attention
• If you are concerned about your symptoms, it is important to contact PlunketLine or consult a doctor for guidance
• Do not hesitate to seek medical help if you are unsure about the severity of your symptoms

Comfort Tips for Fever

• Encourage rest
• Provide additional comfort and cuddles
• Offer fluids
• Maintain room temperature

If worried, seek medical assistance even without fever.

Medication Usage

Administer medication only when necessary based on symptoms.

• Adhere to dosage recommendations
• Check medication expiry dates
• Consult a pharmacist for appropriate medication

Be cautious when using paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Febrile convulsions can be set off by a child’s high temperature, typically between six months and three years of age. Watch out for signs such as rigidity, twitching limbs, loss of consciousness, and involuntary bowel movements. If a seizure persists for more than five minutes or if there are any breathing problems, seek urgent medical assistance.

Reasons for Fever in Kids

Fever is commonly a reaction to an infection – keep an eye on other symptoms. Infections may consist of respiratory infections, UTIs, pertussis, and skin rashes such as Roseola, Scarlet fever, sepsis, or meningitis.

Trust your instincts as you understand your child the best. Consult a medical professional if uncertain, particularly after vaccinations or if symptoms endure.

Immunizations

Vaccines can lead to a fever in children. Inquire about potential side effects before administering vaccinations. To measure your child’s temperature, use a digital thermometer in the armpit.

Caring for Your Child with a Fever

Promote fluid intake, offer food, monitor their temperature, and dress them in comfortable clothing. Consider using fever-reducing medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed.

4 Home Care Suggestions

Stay hydrated, provide food without pressure, keep track of their temperature, and dress them in loose clothing.

COVID-19

Trust your instincts if your child is feeling unwell. For COVID-19 symptoms, consult the NHS website.

Health Visitor

Dawn Kelly

Dawn is a qualified pediatric nurse, health visitor, and educator. Seek medical help when necessary. Read labels and avoid using multiple products with paracetamol simultaneously.

This website may use data to personalize advertising according to your interests. Always adhere to label instructions.

CALPOL ® offers a variety of products for pain and fever relief in babies and children, containing paracetamol. CALPROFEN ® Ibuprofen Suspension is also available for pain and fever in infants. CALCOUGH ® Syrups are formulated for cough relief in children. CALGEL ® Teething Gel is for infant teething discomfort. Always read the label.

CALPOL ® Blocked Nose Spray, Saline Nasal Spray, and Saline Nasal Drops provide congestion relief. CALPOL ® Vapour Plug & Nightlight aids in easy breathing. Non-medicated options are also accessible. Always read the label.

CALPOL ®, CALPROFEN ®, CALGEL ®, and CALCOUGH ® are registered trademarks. SIXPLUS™ is a trademark.

The healthcare professionals associated with this website do not endorse specific products or brands. Site last updated: March 2025. Published by Kenvue UK Limited for a UK audience.