However healthy your little one is, there will probably be a time when your child will experience a ‘fever’. Fever symptoms can vary depending on your child’s age. We have created what we hope will be a helpful guideline to assist you with recognising the signs and symptoms of childhood fever to ensure you will be well prepared should your child become unwell.

WHAT IS A FEVER

Generally speaking, when ‘Fever’ occurs, it is your child’s body sending out a signal that they are in the process of fighting a possible infection.
A fever can last for several days. When your child’s body comes into contact with such a bacteria or virus, your child’s body temperature heats up to try and destroy the invading infection.
The Hypothalamus, the area of your child’s brain that controls body temperature, is often immature in young children and infants, so that’s where your help kicks in, to try to help regulate your child’s temperature during the time when a fever is occurring. An example of this may be putting on an extra blanket when they are cold or taking it off when they feel too warm.
All children have a ‘core temperature’ this is the internal part of their body that always stays at the same temperature. However, outside influences can affect this for example, exercise or hot weather.

WHAT IS CLASSED AS A ‘FEVER’?

The normal core temperature for a child is around 36 C – 36.8. A high fever is considered to be 37.8 C – 39 C and above. When taking your child’s temperature you might get different results depending on what you use as a measure.

There are three ways a temperature can be taken:

In the Ear: (NP) Normal temperature for this area is 36 – 36.7 C. Using a tympanic Thermometer, widely used in the home this will give a good idea of how high the fever is but might not give you the core temperature. A Tympanic Thermometer is considered the most accurate way to measure your child’s temperature at home. You can buy one of these from most chemists.

Under the Armpit: Very good at giving a good idea if your child has a high fever or not. When using this method the result may be 4 – 5 C lower than when taken in the ear.

Forehead: May be a plastic thermometer that sticks to your child’s forehead. Again this will not give the core temperature but a reading of approximately between 36 – 39 C. Always read the product instructions for their guideline on measurement.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE A GLASS MERCURY THERMOMETER FOR CHILDREN. THERE IS A RISK THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BITE DOWN ON THE GLASS IF USED IN THE MOUTH OR BREAK THE GLASS IF USED UNDER THE ARM. MERCURY IS A TOXIC SUBSTANCE AND COULD HARM TO YOUR CHILD!

If your child’s temperature is measuring 39 C or over, or you have concerns about your child’s general well being, you need to either contact your Doctor or take your child to your doctors the same day. In the case of a young infant or baby, always contact your Doctors on the day your baby is unwell.

HOW TO MANAGE FEVER IN CHILDREN

BABIES UP TO 6 MONTHS OF AGE:

If you think that your baby has a fever, try feeling between their shoulder blades on the back of your baby. If this is very warm or hot there may be a ‘fever’ brewing.
Check to see if there are any other symptoms such as:

• Is your baby more irritable than usual?
• Are they lethargic (lacking in alertness or activity) in any way?
• Have they stopped drinking their milk or are they drinking less than usual?
• Are they still having wet nappies?
• Is their urine clear, smelly or dark in colour?
• Do they have a rash?
• Do they have any difficulty in breathing for example are they wheezing or does their breathing appear and sound laboured?
• Is your baby crying more frequently?
• Is there any diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

If you have concerns about any of the above, contact your Doctor today, or visit your Doctor so your baby can be examined. Never give your baby medicine that has not been prescribed or advised by your Doctor or Healthcare Professional..

INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN OVER 6 MONTHS:

If you are concerned about fever, again, feel between their shoulder blades across their back, you can also feel their forehead for an early indicator. If very warm or hot in an otherwise healthy child, then check for additional symptoms:

• Any noticeable changes in behaviour, such as tiredness, dizziness, disorientation.
• Are they lethargic (lacking in alertness or activity)?
• Do they have a headache? Complaining of pain in their head.
• Any neck stiffness? If old enough they may complain of this or look for signs. Are they moving their neck and head as normal?
• Is urine clear, smelly or dark in colour?
• Is your child urinating regularly or is their urine output scanty?
• Do they have a rash anywhere on their body?
• Is there any difficulty in breathing such as wheezing or laboured breathing?
• Is there any diarrhoea and/or vomiting?

If in addition with a temperature 39 C or above, your child starts with any of the above symptoms, then it’s important to take them to the Doctor’s today.

If there are no additional symptoms, and your child’s temperature is less than 39 C and they continue a normal pattern of behaviour you may be able to manage the fever using our guideline below. If you are not sure, always contact your Doctor.

REDUCING YOUR CHILD’S FEVER

There are practical steps that you can take that may help reduce your child’s temperature:

1. Encourage your child to drink clear fluids frequently such as water or clear/dilute juice.
2. Keep an eye on the room temperature, keeping it well ventilated but not draughty.
3. Try gradually reducing your child’s clothing.
4. In the case of an infant and providing you have first checked with your doctor, it may help to dress them in just a nappy and vest for a short time. Stay with the infant all the time, observing any changes.
5. For older children, consider removing some bedding.

If you have carried out all these measures and your child’s temperature continues to rise it is essential that you contact your Doctor immediately.

When considering giving medication, it is important to get direct advice from your Doctor, Health Visitor or Nurse. They will advise on the appropriate medication to give, the amount to give and how often it should be given. It is also important to always read the instructions thoroughly.

Ask a Health Visitor now on-line

Specialist Children’s Nurse

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