If you suspect that your infant may have a high temperature, it is advisable to use a thermometer to check their temperature in order to determine whether medical advice is necessary.

How do I take my child’s temperature?

An ideal option for a quick and accurate reading is a digital thermometer, which can be easily acquired online or from pharmacies and major supermarkets.

Follow these steps to take your child’s temperature:

1. Position your child comfortably on your knee and insert the thermometer into their armpit – always use the thermometer in the armpit for children under the age of 5.
2. Securely hold their arm against their body to keep the thermometer in place for the required time – typically around 15 seconds. Some digital thermometers emit a beep when ready.
3. The thermometer display will then reveal your child’s temperature.

How can I make sure the reading is accurate?

By using a digital thermometer in your child’s armpit and following the instructions precisely, you should obtain an accurate reading.

Certain situations, like being swaddled tightly in a blanket, being in a warm room, engaging in high activity, hugging a hot water bottle, wearing excessive clothing, or taking a bath, may slightly impact the reading. If this occurs, allow your child to cool down before rechecking their temperature.

To ensure the most accurate reading, make sure the thermometer is clean before each use. It’s also important to keep track of the time of day when taking the temperature, as it can vary slightly throughout the day. Additionally, make sure your child is relaxed and still during the temperature reading to prevent any false readings.

Other types of thermometer

Other types of thermometers may not provide as accurate readings as digital thermometers when measuring a baby or young child’s temperature:

• Ear (tympanic) thermometers – quick but expensive, may offer misleading readings if not used correctly
• Strip-type thermometers – indicate skin temperature, not body temperature
• Pacifier thermometers – convenient for babies, but may not be as accurate as other types

Avoid using old-fashioned glass thermometers containing mercury, as they can be highly toxic if broken.

What causes a high temperature in children?

A high temperature typically indicates that the body is combatting an infection. If concerned, seek advice from a health visitor or GP.

What should I do if my baby has a high temperature?

You can care for your baby or child at home when they have a high temperature. Ensure they have plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and offer feeds if breastfeeding.

A fever in children is classified as a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Fevers are common occurrences and often resolve without the need for treatment.

Causes of high temperature

Use a thermometer to check your child’s temperature to determine if they have a fever, usually stemming from infections or illnesses that the body is combatting.

Common causes of fevers include:

Your child’s temperature may increase after vaccinations or from being overheated.

When to get urgent medical advice

Contact your GP immediately if your child has a temperature above specific levels or displays signs of being unwell.

If you cannot reach your GP, utilize the out-of-hours service.

If your child seems to be well, the likelihood of serious illness is lower.

It is important to trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child’s health. Some signs that require urgent medical attention include difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headaches, confusion, and severe abdominal pain.

Fever

• Fever is a common sign of illness in children. High fever accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or difficulty breathing may indicate a more serious condition.

Changes in Appetite

• If your child is refusing to eat or drink, it could be a sign of illness. Monitor their intake and seek medical advice if they are not consuming enough fluids.

Rashes

• If your child develops a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it, seek medical attention immediately as it could be a sign of a serious infection.

Persistent Pain

• If your child is complaining of persistent pain, especially in a specific area of their body, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying issues.

Treating a fever

Make sure your child stays hydrated with cool water and offer fluids such as breast milk or formula for babies. Dress them in light clothing and maintain a comfortable room temperature.

Avoid the use of cool water sponging to reduce fever.

Antipyretics

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can assist in reducing fever and discomfort. Use as directed and observe your child for any improvement before considering alternative medications.

More serious illnesses

Be attentive to serious symptoms like breathlessness, vomiting, or rash, as they may indicate a more severe illness.

Remember, severe illnesses causing fevers are uncommon.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Do not ignore warning signs of a potentially serious condition.

It is important to listen to your body and prioritize your health. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your symptoms.

More useful links

Source of information: NHS website.

healthdirect Australia offers free services to connect you with healthcare professionals for advice.

If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above 38°C, seek immediate medical assistance.

It is important to monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms when they have a fever. Make sure they stay hydrated and provide appropriate medication as recommended by a healthcare professional. If your child’s fever persists or if they show signs of distress, seek medical help immediately.

Key facts

• Fevers are common in children and are frequently caused by viral infections.
• Most fevers in children can be managed at home.
• Infants under 3 months with a fever require urgent medical attention.

What is a fever?

The majority of fevers in young children are mild and can be handled at home. Seek urgent care only if necessary.

For more details on fevers in babies, consult a healthcare provider.

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an infection or illness. It is the body’s natural response to fighting off pathogens and is usually a sign that the immune system is working to protect the body. In young children, a fever is typically considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It is important to monitor a child’s fever and seek medical attention if it persists or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, or dehydration.

What symptoms are related to fever in children?

Signs of fever may include a hot face, chills, sweating, lethargy, and changes in appetite or behavior. Check your child’s temperature if uncertain.

Look for other symptoms associated with the underlying cause of the fever.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Utilize the Symptom Checker for further guidance.

What causes fever in children?

Fever is a common body response to infections caused by viruses or bacteria in children.

Some childhood vaccinations can also trigger a fever.

Inflammatory conditions, immune system problems, or specific medications may also lead to fevers in children.

Teething typically does not result in a fever.

How is the cause of fever in children diagnosed?

During the doctor’s visit, your child’s symptoms, health, recent travel history, exposure to infections, medication usage, and vaccination status will be assessed.

A physical examination, including temperature measurement, will be performed to determine the cause of the fever.

In some cases, additional tests may be recommended by the doctor.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Utilize the Question Builder for assistance on what to ask your GP or specialist.

When should I take my child to see a doctor?

If your child exhibits troubling signs like vomiting, rash, high fever, seizures, headaches, or light sensitivity, seek immediate medical attention.

Promptly contact your doctor or visit the emergency department if your child has a weakened immune system and a fever above 38°C or is under 3 months old with a fever exceeding 38°C.

Contact emergency services if your child is drowsy, experiencing breathing difficulties, or has a stiff neck.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Use the Service Finder to locate healthcare providers in your vicinity.

It is important to trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel that something is wrong with your child, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Remember to keep track of any symptoms your child may be experiencing and communicate them clearly to the healthcare provider. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

How is fever in children treated?

Most fevers in children are not severe and can be managed at home. Hospital treatment may be required for infants and severely ill children.

Bacterial infections in children necessitate antibiotic therapy.

Self-care at home

To help your child feel more comfortable during a fever, dress them in light clothing, maintain a comfortable room temperature, offer cool fluids, and use a warm sponge to wipe their forehead.

Avoid cold baths or showers for children with a fever and ensure they remain hydrated.

Medicines for fever in children

Only administer fever medications to children if they are experiencing pain or discomfort.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can assist in managing pain and fever symptoms in children, following appropriate dosages for their age.

Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old.

What are the complications of fever in children?

Febrile seizures may occur in young children during a fever, often due to simple viral infections.

While most febrile seizures are harmless, it is crucial to consult a doctor to rule out serious infections and provide suitable treatment.

In addition to febrile seizures, other complications of fever in children may include dehydration, especially if the child is not drinking enough fluids. It is important to make sure the child stays hydrated during a fever.

In some cases, a high fever may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a bacterial infection. If the fever is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Parents should also be aware of the potential for febrile seizures to recur, especially in young children who have experienced them before. While most febrile seizures do not cause long-term harm, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing future episodes.

Can fever be prevented?

Fevers in children are commonly caused by viruses and bacteria. Encourage good hygiene practices to prevent infections and ensure your child is up to date with vaccinations.

Resources and Support

Access resources on childhood fevers from specialized pediatric hospitals, including multilingual materials.

Contact the healthdirect helpline for medical advice and support.

Fever, defined as a temperature above 38°C in children, is a common defense mechanism against infections and typically resolves on its own.

Causes of high temperature

Use a thermometer to check your child’s temperature for a fever, often triggered by infections or underlying illnesses.

Fevers can result from vaccinations, overheating, or infections.

When to get urgent medical advice

Contact your GP if your child is under six months old and has a fever or exhibits signs of being unwell.

If you cannot reach your GP, seek medical services after hours if necessary.

If your child seems healthy apart from having a fever, the likelihood of serious illness is lower.

Other signs to look out for include:

• Fever: A high temperature could indicate an infection or illness.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: Frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea could lead to dehydration.
• Skin rash: Some illnesses present with a rash, which could indicate an allergic reaction or infection.
• Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy could be a sign of an underlying issue.

If you have any concerns about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Treating a fever

Ensure your child stays hydrated with water or liquids during a fever, maintain a comfortable room temperature, and dress them appropriately.

Avoid sponging your child with cool water to reduce a fever.

Antipyretics

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help manage fever and pain in children. Follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

Antipyretics may not always be needed. If your child is not bothered by fever or the underlying illness, there is no urgency to use antipyretics to lower it.

More serious illnesses

At times, a high temperature in children may be accompanied by more severe signs and symptoms, such as:

Symptoms to watch for include breathlessness, vomiting, and a rash.
Potential severe bacterial infections comprise infection of the meninges, blood infection, and lung tissue inflammation.
Remember, serious fever causes are rare.
The data on this page has been modified from the original material on the NHS site.
Deciding whether to go to the emergency room due to a fever depends on age. Check out these guidelines for more details.
Typically, minor fevers can be managed at home with rest, liquids, and OTC medication. However, sometimes a fever indicates a more severe infection. If your child has a fever, call your pediatrician first before going to the ER. If the pediatrician is unavailable, use the following criteria to determine if emergency care is necessary for yourself or your child.
– If your child is under 90 days old, seek emergency care for a fever over 100.4 degrees with accompanying symptoms.
– If your child is 90 days to 36 months old, seek emergency care for fever over 102 degrees for two days or more with specific symptoms.
– For babies less than 3 months old, go to the ER for specific fever-related symptoms.
– For babies and toddlers between 3 months and 3 years old, visit the pediatric ER based on temperature and accompanying symptoms.
– For children 3 years and older, visit the pediatric ER for specific symptoms related to fever.
If a fever persists for more than two days or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, seek emergency care. Those with a compromised immune system or recent chemotherapy should also seek immediate care.
Patients can pre-check in to Wesley’s emergency rooms using a free mobile app. This app provides facility information and average waiting times.
ER wait times are estimates provided for informational purposes only. In case of a medical emergency, dial 911.
Triage and treatment in the ER are prioritized based on presenting complaints and reason for visit.
The national average ER wait time is one hour, and HCA hospitals strive to surpass this benchmark.
Wesley’s main emergency department offers Ready Care services for minor emergencies. This service is managed by emergency medicine providers and supervised by board-certified physicians.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.