Fever in children
Fever in children
It can be worrying to see your child with a high temperature. But it's very common and usually settles on its own without treatment.
The easiest way to check for a fever is to take your child's temperature with a thermometer.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
When to seek medical help
Phone 999 if:
Your child:
- has a stiff neck
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the ‘glass test’ from Meningitis Now)
- is bothered by light
- has a fit (febrile seizure) for the first time (they cannot stop shaking)
- has unusually cold hands and feet
- has blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- has a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
- is drowsy and hard to wake
- is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused
- finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs
- is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
Contact your GP practice if:
Your child:
- is over 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above
- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
- has a high temperature that’s lasted for 5 days or more
- has persistent vomiting
- does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you’re worried
- has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol
- is dehydrated – such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they’re crying
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
If your child seems to be otherwise well – for example, if they’re playing and attentive – it’s less likely they’re seriously ill.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Call 999 straight away if your child:
- has a stiff neck
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it (this is the "glass test" that Meningitis Now recommends, and it can be a sign of meningitis)
- cannot bear light
- has a fit (febrile seizure) for the first time and cannot stop shaking
- has unusually cold hands and feet
- has skin, lips or tongue that look blue, pale or blotchy
- cries in a weak, high-pitched way that is not like their usual cry
- is drowsy and hard to wake up
- is extremely agitated, will not stop crying, or seems confused
- is struggling to breathe and you can see their stomach sucking in under the ribs
- is not responding the way they normally do, or has lost interest in feeding and everyday activities
- is under 3 months old, has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or higher, and has not had a vaccination in the last 2 days
- is under 3 months old, has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or lower, and has not had a vaccination in the last 2 days
Contact your GP if your child:
- is over 3 months old and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or higher
- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, along with the high temperature
- has had a high temperature for 5 days or more
- keeps vomiting
- refuses to eat, or does not seem like themselves, and you are worried
- has a high temperature that will not come down even after paracetamol
- shows signs of dehydration, such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, or no tears when crying
If your GP's chamber is closed, call 111 for advice instead.
If your child is otherwise playful, alert and interested in things around them, it is a reassuring sign that they are less likely to be seriously unwell.
Causes
What causes a high temperature?
Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses. The high body temperature makes it more difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive.
Common conditions that can cause fevers include:
- upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs)
- flu
- ear infections
- roseola – a virus that causes a temperature and a rash
- tonsillitis
- kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- common childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox and whooping cough
Your child’s temperature can also be raised after vaccinations, or if they overheat because of too much bedding or clothing.
Treatment
If your child has a fever, it's important to keep them hydrated by giving them plenty of cool water to drink.
Babies should be given plenty of liquids, such as breast milk or formula. Even if your child isn't thirsty, try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up.
If the weather is warm, you could help your child stay at a comfortable temperature by covering them with a lightweight sheet or opening a window.
However, they should still be dressed appropriately for their surroundings, and sponging your child with cool water isn't recommended as a way to reduce a fever.
Medicine to reduce fever (antipyretics)
Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen work as antipyretics, meaning they help reduce fever as well as ease pain. You should not give both at the same time, but if one doesn't seem to work, you may want to try the other later.
Antipyretics aren't always needed. If your child isn't distressed by the fever or the illness behind it, there's no need to use antipyretics just to bring the temperature down.
Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. It will tell you the correct dose and how often to give it, based on your child's age.
More serious illnesses
Sometimes a high temperature in children comes along with more serious signs and symptoms, such as:
- breathlessness
- vomiting
- rash
- fits or seizures
Possible serious bacterial illnesses include:
- meningitis, an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
- septicaemia, an infection of the blood
- pneumonia, inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by an infection
Potentially serious causes of fever are, however, relatively rare.