Fever is often the first sign of an illness in children.When your child has a temperature it can be a worrying and stressful time. However a high temperature is simply one of your child’s ways of fighting infection and increasing protection against disease. Fever can be caused by an infection such as ‘cold or flu’ or from an infection associated with immunisation.

Fever temperature levels

Fever is regarded as having a body temperature usually above 37.8ºC.

Symptoms may vary according to the underlying cause of fever, but some common signs to look out for include:

Irritability and lethargy

Restlessness during the night

Pale with cool hands and feet but hot forehead, tummy and back

Vomiting suddenly

Loss of appetite

Shivering uncontrollably

Hot and flushed all over

Febrile convulsion

Accurate ways to measure temperature

The most accurate way is by mouth or rectum. However many people use a thermometer that reads from the ear. Although this is convenient and less disruptive for a child, it is less accurate especially in children under 3 years of age.

When treat your child?

Give your child a fever-reducing medication when:
You have established your child has a temperature. This will make them more comfortable reducing their chances of having a febrile convulsion (a seizure as a result of a high body temperature).

What type of medication?

Ibuprofen has been proven to achieve faster and more prolonged fever relief in the first four hours compared to paracetamol.

Ibuprofen should not be given to children who:

Have or have had stomach ulcers or other serious stomach disorders.

Have aspirin/NSAID sensitive asthma or are allergic to any ingredients in the product.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if your child:

Suffers from asthma, is taking any other pain relievers or is receiving any other regular treatment.

What else can I do?

Take additional steps to reduce fever and increase your child's comfort by:

Loosening tight clothing and removing any excess clothing

Move your child to a cooler environment

Giving cool drinks which will prevent dehydration.

When should you be concerned about fever?

Always see a doctor if:

The fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion or irritability.

Your child is between the age of 6 months and 1 year and the fever lasts longer than 24 hours.

The fever stays above 38.5°C despite treatment.

The fever persists longer than 2 days.

The fever rises to 39°C or 40°C.