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
See your GP if your child has fever and:
- are crying a lot and are hard to settle
- are drinking or weeing less than normal
- have redness or swelling on their body
- find weeing painful
Take your child to the emergency department if they have a fever and any of the following symptoms:
- are less than 3 months old
- look very sick or dazed
- are difficult to wake
- are having difficulty swallowing or are drooling
- are limp or not using their arms and legs
- 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
In an emergency, or if your child has a convulsion call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
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.
Developed by Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.
Resource ID: FS013. Reviewed: July 2022.
Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.