General Practice
Fever in children
What a temperature actually means, how to manage it at home, and the warning signs.
5 min read
What it is
Fever is the body's normal response to infection, not an illness in itself. A temperature of 38 °C or higher counts as a fever. How your child looks and behaves matters far more than the number on the thermometer: a child with 39 °C who is drinking and playing between doses is usually less concerning than a listless child with 38 °C.
What to look for
Warm forehead, flushed cheeks, shivering or sweating
Less appetite than usual and wanting to be held
Faster breathing and a faster heartbeat while the temperature is up
Sensible things to do at home
- Offer fluids often, in small amounts — this matters more than food
- Dress the child lightly rather than wrapping them up
- Paracetamol dosed by weight, at the intervals on the package
- Keep a simple note of temperatures and doses to show us
- Let them rest; there is no need to wake a sleeping child to take a temperature
When to see us
- Any fever in a baby under three months
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it — seek help immediately
- A stiff neck, a bulging soft spot, or unusual drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing, or breathing that looks like hard work
- Fewer wet nappies, no tears, or a dry mouth
- Fever lasting longer than three days, or a fit or convulsion
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.