Short answer
A temperature of 38°C or more is a fever. Most fevers in children come from common infections and settle within 1 to 4 days. Give plenty of fluids, and paracetamol if your child is uncomfortable, at the dose on the pack for their age or weight. See a doctor urgently if a baby under 3 months has 38°C or more, a baby of 3 to 6 months has 39°C or more, or the fever lasts 5 days or more.
- Published
- Published by
- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Taking the temperature
- Use a digital thermometer. Place it high in the armpit and hold the arm gently against the body.
- Leave it in for as long as the instructions say, usually until it beeps.
- If your child has just had a bath or was wrapped in a blanket, wait a few minutes and measure again.
- A temperature of 38°C or more is a fever.
Caring for your child at home
- Give plenty of fluids. Keep breastfeeding a baby as usual.
- Offer food if your child wants it.
- Dress your child in light clothes and do not cover them with thick blankets.
- Do not sponge your child with cold water to bring the temperature down. Fever is the body’s natural response to infection.
- Check on your child regularly, including during the night.
- Watch for signs of dehydration: fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes, and no tears when crying.
Medicines: what to give and what to avoid
- Paracetamol can ease discomfort. Check the pack for the right dose for your child’s age or weight, or ask your doctor.
- Do not give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months unless a doctor advises it.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16.
- Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 3 months or under 5 kg, to children with chickenpox or dehydration, or to children with asthma unless a doctor advises it.
- In dengue season, avoid ibuprofen and aspirin until a doctor has ruled out dengue, because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Do not alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen unless a doctor tells you to.
See a doctor the same day if your child
- Is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or more
- Is 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39°C or more
- Has had a fever for 5 days or more
- Has a rash or other signs of illness as well as fever
- Does not want to eat, is not their usual self, or shows signs of dehydration
Go to hospital immediately if your child
- Has a fit for the first time
- Has a stiff neck, is bothered by light, or has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it
- Is drowsy and hard to wake, confused, or will not stop crying
- Has difficulty breathing, is grunting, or the tummy sucks in under the ribs
- Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, or unusually cold hands and feet
Call +91 90368 52311. Our paediatric emergency team is on duty 24 hours a day.
Common questions
Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Do not alternate or combine them unless a doctor advises it. Give one medicine at the right dose, and see a doctor if it does not help.
How long is too long for a fever?
Most fevers settle in 1 to 4 days. A fever lasting 5 days or more needs a doctor’s check, even if your child seems well otherwise.
Why does the doctor ask about vaccines?
Some vaccines cause a short, mild fever. Knowing the date of the last vaccine helps the doctor decide whether the fever needs more tests.
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Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.