How to Care for Your Child with Fever

This leaflet will provide you with information about Fever causes, diagnosis, treatment and home care advices.

What is Fever?

Fever occurs when the body's temperature is elevated above 100.4ºF (38ºC).
Fever is a normal response to a variety of conditions, the most common of which is a viral and bacterial infections.
Nearly all children will develop a fever at some point.

Your child temperature can be measured in different ways
- Rectally: this is the most accurate reading and is done in hospital
- Orally: (in the mouth) using oral thermometer under the tongue. this method is suitable for children over 4 years
- Under the armpit: this is used for young children and infants who can’t hold thermometer in their mouth
The doctor will ask few questions about your child’s health and examine your child. Your doctor will decide if further investigation or blood tests are required.

In most cases, a child with a fever can be observed and/or treated at home.
The fever itself does not need to be treated unless your child:
- Feels uncomfortable
- has an underlying medical problem, including diseases of the heart, lung, brain or nervous system.
If the fever is causing discomfort to your child, the doctor would advise to give medicine for the fever, for example:
- Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (any brand)
- Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child
- Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications

Do not use glass mercury thermometer, they are dangerous if they break
Ensure that your child drink plenty of fluids
Ensure that your child gets enough rest
Ensure that your child eats food, they may refuse to eat. Offer simple food and regular drinks.
If your child is vomiting, offer small frequent drinks as this is more likely to stay in the stomach.
Do not try to control your child’s temperature with lukewarm water sponging
Ensure that your child vaccinations are up to date.

Seek medical advice if your child:

Is less than 3-month-old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or greater
Is any age over 3-month-old and has a temperature of 38°C or greater for two days or more.
Has any medical problem, including diseases of the heart, lung, brain or nervous system.
Has diarrhea that lasts more than two to three days or seems to be getting worse
Has vomiting that goes on for more than one day
Seems to be dehydrated, signs of dehydration include:
- Urinating less than usual
- Not having tears when crying
- Being less alert and less active than usual
Has a specific symptom, such as:
- Sore throat or ear pain
- Pain when he or she urinates
- New skin rash that does not fade away when you press with clear glass.
If you are concerned about your child

Does not respond to you, has trouble waking up
Has trouble breathing
Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
Starts to lean forward and drool
Has a stiff neck
Has severe headache
Has severe belly pain
Has a rash or purple spot that look like bruises on the skin (that were not there before he or she got sick)
Refuses to drink anything or seems too sick to drink enough
Irritable and will not stop crying