A child has a fever if their temperature is higher than 38 °C. All children will have a fever at some time. It is one of the most common reasons for children to see a doctor and often causes parents to worry. However, it is extremely rare for a fever to cause long term harm.
A fever is a sign that your child’s immune system is fighting an infection. A fever will not hurt your child, but they can cause a febrile convulsion (or febrile seizure or fit) in about 1 in 30 children.
Most fevers in children are caused by viral infections. Depending on your child’s other symptoms, your doctor may do some tests to identify the cause of the fever - usually a virus or bacteria.
Care at home
If your child has a fever, you can help them feel more comfortable by:
- ensuring they drink lots of sugar-based fluids
- dressing them in light, comfortable clothes
- giving them children’s paracetamol (Panadol, Dymadon) or ibuprofen (Nurofen). Follow the bottle or package instructions for the correct dosage. Do not give more than the recommended amount in 24 hours.
- avoiding sponging and cold baths.
How to measure your child’s temperature
You can take your child’s temperature by:
- placing a thermometer under their arm pit
- gently placing a thermometer in their ear (if your child is 6 months or older).
Infrared sensors and stick-on patches will not accurately measure your child’s temperature.
When to seek help
Take your child to your nearest hospital emergency department if their temperature is higher than 38°C and they:
- are less than 3 months old
- look very sick or dazed
- are difficult to wake
- are crying a lot and are hard to settle
- are drinking or weeing less than normal
- are having difficulty swallowing or are drooling
- are limp or not using their arms and legs
- have redness or swelling on their body
- are struggling to breathe
- have severe tummy pain
- have a stiff neck and are sensitive to light
- have blue, pale, grey, or blotchy skin, or purple spots
- find weeing painful.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if your child is struggling to breathe, their lips turn blue, or they have a seizure.
If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.
Last updated: August 2024