What to do if your child has a fever

Children often get fevers when their bodies are fighting infections. If they are not upset, there is no need to worry.

Fever is very common in children and can happen when your child has an infection. Most children get better quickly with no treatment.

  • Viral infections are far more common than bacterial infections.
  • Symptoms such as runny nose, cough, wheeze, sore throat, red eyes and diarrhoea are more likely with a viral infection. If several people are unwell in the same home, this also suggests a viral infection (because viral infections are easily spread).
  • Most viral infections get better on their own and do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause side effects such as rash and diarrhoea and can increase the risk of them developing antibiotic resistance.
  • How your child is compared to their usual self is more important than what the temperature is.
  • Fever is common in babies up to 48 hours after immunisations – it is OK to give paracetamol after the MenB vaccine if your baby is otherwise well.
  • Occasionally, children with fever can have a seizure/fit. This is called a febrile convulsion and most often happens in children aged between 6 months and 3 years.

Checking your child’s temperature

A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4C, but this can vary slightly. A high temperature or fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38C or above.

You should use a digital thermometer, which you can buy in supermarkets and pharmacies. This should be placed under the armpit for children 5 years and younger, and in the mouth for children over 5 years of age. You could also use an in the ear thermometer for children over six months of age.

How to take your child’s temperature
Important advice:

Treat at home and visit your community pharmacy

You can treat your child at home with paracetamol (following the age recommended dose on the packaging) if:

  • they are older than 3 months, and
  • their high temperature lasts less than 5 days.

Your community pharmacy team are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such. You do not need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call if you need some additional advice. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.

Important advice:

Call NHS 111

If symptoms get worse, then it is time to ask for help. Call 111 if your child:

  • is 3-6 months old with a temperature 39°C or above (unless fever is in the 48 hours following vaccinations )
  • has a temperature of 38°C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
  • has a temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months
  • is breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
  • has dry skin, lips or tongue
  • has not not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
  • is feeding poorly (less than half of their usual amount)
  • is irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
  • has swelling of a limb or joint
  • is using or putting weight on an arm, leg, hand or foot
  • is complaining of severe pain that is not improving with painkillers
  • has had chickenpox in the past few days and is now getting worse with a high fever or spreading red rash
  • is getting worse or you are worried about them
Important advice:

Call 999 or visit our nearest Emergency Department

Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department (A&E) if your child:

  • is under 3 months of age with a temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C  (unless fever is in the 48 hours following vaccinations)
  • is breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
  • is working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs, or noisy breathing (grunting)
  • is breathing that stops or pauses
  • is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
  • is difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
  • is weak, has a high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
  • has a fit (seizure)
  • has a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)