Fever in Children PDF

Fever in children Fever in children English Fever (a high temperature) is common in children. Fever is a normal response to many illnesses, the most common being an infection in the body. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body’s immune system fight off infection....

Fever in children Fever in children English Fever (a high temperature) is common in children. Fever is a normal response to many illnesses, the most common being an infection in the body. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body’s immune system fight off infection. While fevers can be concerning for parents, doctors will usually be more concerned about what is causing the fever, and not what the child’s temperature is. It is more important for you to monitor any symptoms of the underlying illness, rather than the fever itself. Signs and symptoms of fever Your child has a fever when their temperature reads above 38°C on a thermometer. Your child may also be: unwell and hot to touch irritable or crying more sleepy than usual vomiting or refusing to drink shivering in pain. If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, then you should see a doctor, even if they have no other symptoms. Taking your child’s temperature There are a number of ways you can take a child’s temperature. Each method measures your child’s temperature in a different way, and the results can vary depending on the type of thermometer you use. Different methods include: infrared forehead thermometer under the arm or under the tongue with a digital, mercury or alcohol thermometer ear (tympanic) thermometer plastic tape thermometers used on the forehead (these are not recommended as they are not reliable). Some thermometers are more suitable for particular age groups so you should always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions to get an accurate reading. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use your thermometer. Do this before you need it. Febrile convulsions Some children can have convulsions (a ‘fit’ or seizure) when they have a fever. These are called febrile convulsions. Your child may have a febrile convulsion if their temperature goes up suddenly. Sometimes, a convulsion happens when parents don’t actually know their child has a fever. Febrile convulsions are not common and do not usually cause any long-term health effects. See our fact sheet Febrile convulsions (rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Febrile_Convulsions). Care at home The infection that leads to a fever is often caused by a virus, and sometimes by bacteria. Only bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viral infections are far more common and do not need antibiotics, because antibiotics do not cure viruses. Lowering your child’s fever will not help treat the underlying illness more quickly. The only advantage of lowering a fever is improving your child’s comfort. If your child seems well and is happy, there is no need to treat a fever. If your child is irritable, there are things you can do to help them to feel more comfortable: Give your child frequent small drinks. Many children refuse to eat when they have a fever. This is not a problem, as long as they stay hydrated. Give extra breastfeeds, formula bottles or cooled boiled water to babies under six months old.  Give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if the fever is making them irritable or they have other symptoms, such as a sore throat. Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under three months old or to any child who is dehydrated. Never give aspirin to children. See our fact sheet Pain relief for children (rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_ sheets/Pain_relief_for_children_-_Paracetamol_and_Ibuprofen). Try wiping your child’s forehead with a sponge or facewasher soaked in slightly warm water to help cool them down. It’s important they don’t become too cold or uncomfortable when you do this. Cold baths or showers are not recommended. Dress your child in enough clothing so that they are not too hot or cold. If your child is shivering, add another layer of clothing or a blanket until they stop. Watch your child for signs that their illness is getting worse. When to see a doctor If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, or if your child has a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medical treatment and has a fever above 38°C, then you should see a doctor, even if they have no other symptoms. For all other children, take them to see a doctor if their temperature is above 38°C and they have any of the following symptoms: a stiff neck or light is hurting their eyes vomiting and refusing to drink much a rash more sleepy than usual problems with breathing pain that doesn’t get better with pain relief medication. Also take your child to a doctor if they: have a fever above 40°C have had any fever for more than two days seem be getting more unwell have had a febrile convulsion. Key points to remember Fevers are common in children. A fever is when a child’s temperature rises above 38°C. If your child seems well and is happy, there is no need to treat a fever. If your child is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, take them to the doctor, even if they have no other symptoms. Take your child to the doctor if they seem to be getting worse or their temperature is over 40°C. For more information Kids Health Info: Febrile convulsions (rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Febrile_Convulsions) Kids Health Info: Pain relief for children – paracetamol and ibuprofen (rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Pain_relief_for_ children_-_Paracetamol_and_Ibuprofen) Raising Children’s Network: Taking your child’s temperature (raisingchildren.net.au/articles/taking_your_childs_temperature. html) See your doctor or Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital with support from The Victorian State Government. rch.org.au/kidsinfo Reviewed 2018 Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au Disclaimer This information should not replace discussion with your doctor or a healthcare professional. The RCH has made all reasonable efforts to ensure this information is accurate at the time of publishing. The RCH is not responsible for any mistakes, misunderstanding, or the success of any treatment outlined in these handouts. This information is updated regularly. Always check and make sure that you have the current version.