Fevers

Fevers

When you’re little one is sick, their body’s defence system kicks in to fight off bugs like viruses and bacteria. One defence tool is raising body temperature, creating a fever. Fevers alone are not dangerous, they alert you to keep a lookout for the signs your child needs a doctor. There is no need to fret about taking temperatures all the time if your older baby or child is sick.

What thermometer to use

• digital probe thermometers - best for babies under 6 months
• tympanic thermometer - can be used over 6 months, but most accurate in over 2’s
• forehead - these can be inaccurate and not recommended

General signs and symptoms

• hot flushed skin
• temperature over 38°c

Management at home

• children over 3 months who are awake, alert and drinking well can he cared for at home
• encourage oral fluids frequently
• keep them cool - dress in one light layer
• give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are miserable

When to seek help

• not getting better after 2 days or a fever (but well otherwise) for more than 5 days
• a baby who is under 3 months and is awake, alert and feeding well

When to see a doctor urgently

• children who show signs of moderate to severe dehydration 
• your child is drowsy and less responsive
• your child is under 3 months and has a temperature over 38°c
  

When to call an ambulance

• signs of meningitis or sepsis
• decreased levels of consciousness, floppy or hard-to-wake
• struggling to breathe and/or turning blue
• pale, clammy or cold