Fever in children: what to do and when to worry

Caring for a feverish child at home

• Offer fluids frequently, in small amounts if your child is reluctant.
• Dress them normally - do not wrap up or sponge with cold water.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used if your child is distressed, not simply to reduce the number.
• Never give aspirin to a child.
• Check on them regularly overnight.

Get urgent medical help

Trust your instinct. Parents notice deterioration before any scoring system does, and no clinician will mind you seeking advice.

• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
• Difficulty breathing, grunting, or drawing in beneath the ribs.
• A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or above.
• Unusually drowsy, floppy, or very difficult to wake.
• A stiff neck, a bulging fontanelle, or a fit or seizure.
• Cold hands and feet with mottled or blue-tinged skin.
• Markedly reduced wet nappies or no urine for 8–12 hours.

Fever that will not settle

A fever lasting more than five days, or one that returns after your child appeared to recover, should be reviewed by a doctor. So should any fever in a child who has recently travelled abroad or who has a long-term health condition.