Fever in children

Fever in children | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Fever in children Fever in children Return to Symptoms Enter age Last Updated: Next Review Date: Review my answers Find your local services Search for a service near you by entering your postcode below. Please input your postcode in the following format: A12 1BC GP Practices Dental Services Pharmacies Opticians Postcode Search NHS inform has more information on this condition. Read more Previous Start guide Review my answers  You told us your credentials were: : You said: Based on the information you gave us, we made the following recommendation: Close Keep a copy View PDF It can be extremely worrying if your child has a high temperature. But its very common and often clears up by itself without treatment. A quick and easy way to find out whether your child has a fever is to take their temperature using a thermometer. What causes a high temperature? Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses.The high body temperaturemakes it more difficult for thebacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs) flu ear infections roseola a virus that causes a temperature and arash tonsillitis kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs) common childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox and whooping cough Your childs temperature can also be raised after vaccinations, or if they overheat because of too much bedding or clothing. When to seek medical help Phone 999 if your child: has a stiff neck has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it ( use the glass test from Meningitis Now ) is bothered by light has a fit ( febrile seizure ) for the first time (they cannot stop shaking) has unusually cold hands and feet has blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue has a weak, high-pitched cry thats not like their normal cry is drowsy and hard to wake is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities Contact your GP if: Your child: is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C (101F) or above is over 3 months and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or above has other signs of illness, such as a rash , as well as a high temperature has a high temperature thats lasted for 5 days or more has persistent vomiting does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and youre worried has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol is dehydrated  such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when theyre crying If your GP is closed, phone 111. If your child seems to be otherwise well  for example, if theyre playing and attentive  its less likely theyre seriously ill. Fever in babies and children under 2 years of age self-help guide Complete our self-help guide to check your childs symptoms and find out what to do next. Treating a fever If your child has a fever, itsimportant to keep them hydrated by giving them plenty of cool water to drink. Babies should be given plenty of liquids, such as breast milk or formula.Even if your child isnt thirsty, try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up. If its warm, you could help your child to stay at a comfortable temperature by covering them with a lightweight sheet or opening a window. However, they should still be appropriately dressed for their surroundings and sponging your child with coolwaterisnt recommendedto reduce a fever. Medicine to reduce fever (antipyretics) Childrens paracetamol or ibuprofen work as antipyretics, which help to reduce fever, as well as being painkillers. You cant give them both at the same time, but if one doesnt work, you may want to try the other later. Antipyretics arent always needed. If your child isnt distressed by the fever or underlying illness, theres no need to use antipyretics to reduce a fever. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication. This will tell you the correct dose and frequency for your childs age. More serious illnesses Sometimes a hightemperature in children is associated with more serious signs and symptoms, such as: breathlessness vomiting rash fits or seizures Possible serious bacterial illnesses include: meningitis  infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord septicaemia  infection of the blood pneumonia  inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by an infection Potentially serious causes of fever are relatively rare. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 29 May 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Coronavirus (COVID-19) If your child has cold or flu symptoms NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852