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Advice if Your Child Has a High Temperature
Recognising a High Temperature
In the UK, a normal body temperature for a child is around 36.4°C. If your child's temperature is 38°C or higher, they have a fever. It's important to regularly check their temperature using a reliable digital thermometer to confirm they have a high temperature. Symptoms may include sweating, shivering, flushed cheeks, and a general feeling of being unwell.Manage the Fever at Home
If your child has a high temperature, there are steps you can take to manage it at home: - Keep them hydrated: Ensure they drink plenty of water or fluids to avoid dehydration. - Rest and Comfort: Let them rest in a cool, comfortable environment. Light clothing and a lightweight blanket might be best. - Medication: If they are uncomfortable, you may use age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen to help lower the fever and reduce discomfort, but always follow the dosage instructions and consult with a pharmacist if unsure.When to Seek Medical Attention
In some situations, you should seek immediate medical advice: - Babies under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher. - Children aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C or higher. - Persistent fever lasting more than 5 days. - The child shows signs of dehydration or has difficulty breathing. - There is a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass. Contact your GP, NHS 111, or your local out-of-hours service for advice.Preventing Recurrence
Sometimes, fevers are caused by infections like colds or flu. Encouraging regular hand washing, keeping your child away from others who are ill, and ensuring their vaccinations are up to date can help prevent recurrent high temperatures.Advice if Your Child Has a High Temperature
Recognising a High Temperature
In the UK, a normal temperature for a child is around 36.4°C. If the temperature is 38°C or more, it is a fever. Check their temperature with a digital thermometer to be sure. Signs of fever can be sweating, shivering, red cheeks, and feeling ill.Manage the Fever at Home
If your child has a high temperature, you can: - Give them lots of water to drink so they don't get dehydrated. - Let them rest in a cool and comfy place. Use light clothes and a thin blanket. - You can give them the right amount of paracetamol or ibuprofen for their age if they feel bad. Read the instructions and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to a doctor if: - A baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or more. - A child aged 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 39°C or more. - The fever lasts more than 5 days. - The child is very thirsty or has trouble breathing. - There is a rash that does not go away when you press a glass on it. Call your doctor, NHS 111, or local health service for help.Preventing Recurrence
Fevers can happen because of colds or flu. To stop high temperatures from coming back: - Teach your child to wash hands often. - Keep them away from people who are sick. - Make sure their vaccinations are up to date.Frequently Asked Questions
A high temperature in children is typically considered to be 38°C (100.4°F) or above.
Ensure they rest and stay hydrated. You may also give them children's paracetamol or ibuprofen to help lower the temperature.
You should contact a doctor if the fever lasts more than 5 days, if your child seems very unwell, or if you have any concerns about their symptoms.
It is not recommended to give your child a cold bath as it can cause shivering and make them feel uncomfortable. Use a lukewarm bath instead.
Common signs include feeling hot to the touch, flushed cheeks, sweating, and irritability.
Teething can cause a mild increase in temperature but not usually a high fever. If your child has a high temperature, it’s likely due to another cause.
You can use a digital thermometer under the armpit, as this is often the easiest and most accurate method for young children in the UK.
Yes, you can give infants under 3 months old paracetamol, and those older than 3 months can have both paracetamol and ibuprofen. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
No, children with a high temperature should stay at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
High fevers can be a sign of underlying infection and should be monitored. In rare cases, high fevers can cause febrile seizures in young children.
Keep their room cool, dress them in light clothing, and ensure they stay hydrated. Avoid over-layering them with blankets.
You should not give them together but can alternate between the two if one alone is not controlling the fever. Consult a healthcare professional before alternating medications.
Common causes include viral and bacterial infections, immunizations, and, less commonly, conditions such as heat stroke.
Cold hands and feet can be common during a fever. Focus on the overall body temperature and other symptoms to gauge their condition.
Call 999 if your child is having difficulty breathing, has a seizure, appears very unwell, or you can't wake them up.
A high temperature in kids is usually 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
Make sure they get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. You can also give them medicine like children's paracetamol or ibuprofen to help bring down the fever.
Call a doctor if the fever stays for more than 5 days. Also, call if your child looks very sick or if you are worried about any other symptoms.
Don't give your child a cold bath. It can make them shiver and feel bad. Try a warm bath instead.
Look for these signs:
- Skin feels hot
- Red face
- Sweating
- Mood changes, like being grumpy
Try these tips:
- Use a fan or cool cloth
- Drink water
- Rest in a quiet place
When babies are getting new teeth, they might get a little bit warmer than usual. But they don't usually get a high fever from it. If your child has a high fever, it's probably because of something else.
You can use a digital thermometer under the arm. This is often the easiest and most accurate way to check a child's temperature in the UK.
Yes, you can give babies under 3 months old some paracetamol. Babies over 3 months old can have both paracetamol and ibuprofen. Make sure you follow the instructions about how much to give.
If you are unsure, you can ask a doctor or a nurse for help.
A tool you can use is a medicine syringe. It helps measure the right amount. You can also set a timer to remember when to give the next dose.
No, kids with a high temperature should stay home. They can go back to school or play when they have not had a fever for at least one whole day (24 hours).
High fevers can mean you have an infection. It is important to watch high fevers. Sometimes, young children with high fevers can have seizures. This is not common, but it can happen.
Tools that might help:
- A thermometer to check your fever.
- A phone to call the doctor if you are worried.
Keep the room nice and cool. Dress them in light clothes. Give them lots of water to drink. Don't use too many blankets at bedtime.
You should not give both at the same time. You can take turns giving them if one does not stop the fever. Talk to a doctor or nurse before switching between them.
Some common reasons are colds and germs, getting shots, and sometimes things like getting too hot.
When you have a fever, your hands and feet might feel cold. To know how sick you are, check your whole body temperature and see how you feel overall.
Call 999 if your child is having trouble breathing, has a fit, looks very sick, or you can't wake them up.
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