Fever in children: home care and when to see a doctor

A hot, cranky child is worrying for any parent. The good news is that most fevers are caused by common viral infections and settle in a few days. Fever itself is the body's way of fighting infection. Your job is to keep your child comfortable and to watch for signs that something more serious is going on.

What counts as a fever?

A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a fever. Use a digital thermometer; feeling the forehead is not reliable. For babies, a thermometer under the arm is simple and safe.

Home care that helps

• Give plenty of fluids: breastfeeds, water, ORS, soups or juice. Small sips often.
• Dress your child in light clothes and keep the room comfortably cool. Do not bundle them in blankets.
• Let them rest; they do not need to be woken to take medicine.
• Do not use cold water, ice or alcohol rubs. They cause shivering and can raise the body's core temperature.

Fever medicines for children

Paracetamol (such as Calpol or Panadol syrup) and, for children over 3 months who are drinking well, ibuprofen (such as Brufen syrup) can make a child feel better. The dose depends on your child's weight and the exact product, so:

• Follow the dosing chart on the label, or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
• Always use the syringe or measuring cup that comes with the medicine, not a kitchen spoon.
• Do not give two medicines that contain paracetamol at the same time.
• Never give aspirin to children.
• Avoid ibuprofen if dengue is possible or your child is dehydrated.

See a doctor urgently if your child

• is under 3 months old with any fever
• has trouble breathing, is breathing very fast, or the skin pulls in between the ribs
• has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it
• has a stiff neck, a fit (seizure), or is very drowsy and hard to wake
• shows dehydration: no wet nappy for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes
• keeps vomiting or will not drink

Book a doctor's visit if

• the fever lasts more than 3 days (or more than 24 hours in a child under 2)
• your child has ear pain, pain passing urine, or a sore throat with high fever
• you are worried; you know your child best

Keep a fever kit at home: a digital thermometer, ORS and a children's fever medicine. DawaaiMart delivers children's syrups and ORS, and our pharmacist can help you choose.