Fever

What is a fever? Fevers may occasionally bring about febrile convulsions

in a few children. A febrile convulsion is a seizure
Your child’s normal body temperature can vary associated with a high body temperature. While worrying
depending on both their age and the time of day. It can for parents, febrile convulsions usually do not have long
range between 36.5 and 38oC. A temperature higher than term complications. They affect up to 1 in 30 children
this is known as a fever. under the age of 5. This means 29 out of 30 children will
A temperature of 38oC or more in a baby under 3 months never have a febrile convulsion, no matter how high their
of age, and 38.5oC or more in older infants and children, temperature might go. Pain relief medicines have not
is considered high. been shown to stop or reduce febrile convulsions.
If you think your child has a fever, measure the What causes fever?
temperature with a thermometer. Follow the Fever is most often caused by a virus (such as colds and
manufacturer’s directions to get an accurate reading. flu). Viral infections are more common than bacterial
Plastic tape thermometers on the forehead are not infections and do not need antibiotics as these medicines
recommended as they are not reliable. do not cure viruses. Most fevers will pass on their own.
Fever is usually a sign of infection in the body. Infections Less often, fevers are caused by a bacterial infection, and
like colds and flu are very common, especially in pre- these are usually treated with antibiotics.
school children: Preschool-aged children can have up to 5
to 10 infections a year. Rarely, bacteria can cause infection of the urine, lungs
(pneumonia), blood and brain (meningitis).
In very young babies it is important to find out the
Fever is a natural process cause of the fever.
Fever shows us that the body is working to fight
infection. Fever is a natural response and in itself is not
harmful. So it is not usually necessary to treat a fever. When do you need to see a doctor?
Children should visit their GP first for assessment. Your
However, children often feel uncomfortable and unwell
child’s GP can then identify if further review in a hospital
when they have a fever. Giving your child pain relief
is needed.
medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help
them feel more comfortable. Give your child the dose Your child needs to see a doctor if they have a fever and:
that is recommended on the packaging for their age and  your child is very young (less than 3 months old);
weight. Not all fevers respond to medicines, and this  your child seems very sick;
does not mean your child has a serious illness.

This document was last reviewed on 30 March 2022

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and HNEkidshealth, Children, Young People & Families. page 1 of 2
 your child has a chronic illness and your doctor has told Some common questions:
you to seek help for fever.
Can teething cause a fever?
You also need to see a doctor if your child has: Children who are teething may have a fever up to 380 C,
 pain – especially headache, tummy or limb pain but over 380C the fever is more likely due to an infection.
 difficulty swallowing My child has a fever even after pain relief medicine.
 problems with breathing Should I be worried?
 a rash Not if your child is feeling better and other symptoms
 vomiting have improved. Pain relief medicine may not make the
 neck stiffness or light is hurting their eyes fever go away but is used to help your child feel better.
 bulging of the fontanelle (the soft spot on babies’
heads) Can I give my child aspirin?
 drowsiness, sleepiness or irritability Do not give your child aspirin unless specifically
 had a fever for more than three days prescribed by a doctor.
 travelled overseas recently
 had contact with someone with a serious infection
Older children (over 3 years) who have a cold, but are not Remember:
very sick, generally do not need to see a doctor for fever.
 Fevers are common in children and mostly
caused by viral infections.
 If your child seems well and is happy, there is
no need to treat a fever.
Caring for your child at home
 Help your child drink plenty of fluids.
 Dress your child in appropriate clothing so  See a doctor if your baby under 3 months has
they are comfortable - not shivering or a temperature of 38oC or more.
sweating.  Watch your child for signs of the illness
 Give your child plenty of fluid to drink; getting worse.
children with a fever need more fluids than  See a doctor if your child seems to be getting
usual. sicker.
 Sponging with water and fanning children
with fevers is not recommended.
 Watch your child for signs that their illness is
getting worse.
 See a doctor if your child is getting sicker.
 In general, return to daycare, preschool or
school when your child is well. Let your care
provider know your child has been sick. If you
have seen a doctor, discuss this with them as
exclusion periods will vary depending on your
child’s illness.

You can call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 for further

health advice.

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and HNEkidshealth, Children, Young People & Families. page 2 of 2