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Caring for a Child with Fever | NHS
Understanding Fever in Children
Fever is a common response to infections and other illnesses, typically indicating that the body is fighting off an invader. While it can be concerning for parents, it's important to remember that fever itself is usually not harmful. In the UK, the NHS provides comprehensive guidelines on managing fever in children to ensure their safety and comfort.
Measuring Your Child's Temperature
To accurately assess your child's fever, use a digital thermometer. For infants under 5 years, measuring temperature under the arm (axillary) is recommended. For older children, you can also use ear (tympanic) thermometers. A fever is generally considered to be a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage.
Managing Fever at Home
Most fevers can be managed at home with simple care and monitoring. Here are some steps to follow:
- Keep Them Hydrated: Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juice, or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Dress Comfortably: Dress your child in lightweight clothing and avoid heavy blankets to help regulate body temperature.
- Medication: You can use children's paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort and reduce fever. Ensure you follow the dosing instructions based on their age and weight.
- Rest: Encourage your child to rest as much as possible to help their body fight off the infection.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many fevers can be managed at home, certain symptoms may require professional medical attention. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if:
- Your child is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Your child is 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher.
- Fever persists for more than 5 days.
- Your child appears unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or irritable.
- They have difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed (non-blanching rash).
Preventing the Spread of Infection
Good hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of infections that cause fever. Teach children to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close contact with sick individuals. Maintaining a clean environment also plays a crucial role in prevention.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively care for your child during a fever and ensure their health and well-being. Always remember that the NHS is here to provide support and information when you need it.
Caring for a Child with Fever | NHS
Understanding Fever in Children
Fever means your child's body is getting warm to fight germs. It can worry parents, but fever usually is not bad. In the UK, the NHS tells us how to care for kids with a fever to keep them safe and comfy.
Measuring Your Child's Temperature
To check your child's fever, use a digital thermometer. If your child is under 5 years, check under the arm for their temperature. For older kids, you can use an ear thermometer. A fever is a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more. Follow the instructions on how to use the thermometer.
Managing Fever at Home
You can take care of most fevers at home. Here are some things you can do:
- Keep Them Hydrated: Make sure your child drinks a lot of water, fruit juice, or special drinks to stop dehydration.
- Dress Comfortably: Dress your child in light clothes and use light blankets so they do not get too hot.
- Medication: Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen for kids to help them feel better. Check the label for the right amount to give your child.
- Rest: Let your child rest a lot. This helps their body fight the infection.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Sometimes, you might need to see a doctor. Call your GP or NHS 111 if:
- Your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
- Your child is 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or more.
- Fever lasts more than 5 days.
- Your child seems very sleepy, won't wake up, or is very cranky.
- Your child has trouble breathing, keeps throwing up, or has a rash that doesn’t disappear when you press it.
Preventing the Spread of Infection
Good hygiene can stop the spread of germs that cause fever. Teach children to wash their hands often, cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough, and stay away from sick people. Keeping everything clean helps a lot too.
By doing these things, you can help your child feel better when they have a fever. The NHS is always ready to help you with advice and support if you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
You can check your child's temperature using a digital thermometer, armpit (axilla) thermometer, or ear (tympanic) thermometer. Avoid using mercury thermometers.
If your child is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or if your child is between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher, you should seek medical advice. Additionally, seek help if your child has other symptoms like a rash, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting.
Common causes include infections such as colds, flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and other common childhood illnesses.
Ensure they rest, keep them hydrated, dress them in light clothing, and give them paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are distressed or unwell, following the dosage instructions.
No, do not give your child a cold bath as it can cause shivering, which may actually raise their body temperature further.
Teething might cause a slight increase in temperature but it is unlikely to cause a significant fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child has a seizure, a purple or red rash, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration like crying without tears, a dry mouth, or fewer wet nappies than usual.
Using a fan to gently circulate air can be comfortable, but do not aim it directly at your child to avoid making them too cold.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted juice, or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
It is generally best to stick to one medication, either paracetamol or ibuprofen, and follow the dosing guidelines. Consult with a healthcare professional before alternating medications.
If your child's fever persists despite medication or they appear very unwell, seek medical advice from your GP or NHS 111.
Most fevers caused by common infections will last 3-5 days. If the fever persists longer or if you are worried, contact your healthcare provider.
Yes, keep your child at home if they have a fever. They should return to school or nursery only once they are feeling better and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Yes, it is common for children to develop a mild fever after vaccinations. This usually subsides within a couple of days. Follow your healthcare provider's advice on managing post-vaccination fever.
A fever is when your body temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
You can check your child's temperature using a digital thermometer, an armpit thermometer, or an ear thermometer. Do not use mercury thermometers.
If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more, you should talk to a doctor. If your baby is between 3 and 6 months old and has a fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or more, you should also talk to a doctor. You should get help if your child has other problems like a skin rash, trouble breathing, or keeps throwing up.
Common illnesses happen because of things like colds, flu, ear infections, and urine infections. Kids often get these kinds of sicknesses.
Make sure they get plenty of rest. Give them lots of water to drink. Dress them in light clothes. If they feel upset or sick, you can give them medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions for how much to give.
No, do not give your child a cold bath. It can make them shiver, which might make their body even hotter.
When babies are teething, they might get a little warmer. But it's not common for them to get a high fever like 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
Get help from a doctor right away if your child has a seizure, purple or red spots on their skin, trouble breathing, keeps throwing up, or shows signs of not having enough water in their body. Signs include crying without tears, a dry mouth, or not having as many wet nappies as usual.
A fan can help the air move around and feel nice. But don't point the fan right at your child, so they don't get too cold.
Make sure your child drinks lots of liquids. They can have water, watered-down juice, or special drinks that stop them from getting too dry. This will keep them healthy and strong.
It is usually best to use just one medicine, like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions for the medicine. Talk to a doctor or nurse before switching between different medicines.
If your child's fever does not go away after taking medicine, or if they look very sick, talk to a doctor. You can call your family doctor (GP) or NHS 111 for help.
Most fevers from common bugs last 3-5 days. If the fever lasts longer or if you are worried, talk to your doctor.
If your child has a fever, keep them at home. They should go back to school or nursery only when they feel better and have not had a fever for at least one whole day.
Yes, kids can get a little sick with a mild fever after they get their shots. This is normal and usually goes away in a few days. Listen to your doctor about how to help with the fever after shots. You can also use a cool cloth on the forehead and make sure your child drinks plenty of water. If you have any worries, call your doctor.
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