Fever

Pain and fever are common in young children and symptoms of a wide range of childhood ailments, including coughs, colds, flu, sore throat, ear infections, teething and gastroenteritis as well as other infectious illnesses such as chickenpox. It is important to have an understanding of how to help manage a fever, and also when it is potentially a sign of something more serious.

• 1000

  364

  36.4^°C

  

  A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4^°C, but every child is different.

• 1000

  420

  38^°C+

  

  A fever is a high temperature of 38^°C or more.¹

A high temperature usually goes down after three to four days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be recommended for children who have a fever and appear distressed. The child should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, be given food if they want it and should be kept at home and checked on regularly. Signs of dehydration that parents should be aware of include: feeling thirsty, dizzy or lightheaded; not weeing often (fewer than four times a day), or dark, strong smelling urine; and dry mouth, lips and eyes.^1,2