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Fever (a high temperature) is common in children. Fever is a normal response to many illnesses, the most common being an infection in the body. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body's immune system fight off infection.

While fevers can be concerning for parents, doctors will usually be more concerned about what is causing the fever, and not what the child’s temperature is. It is more important for you to monitor any symptoms of the underlying illness, rather than the fever itself.

Signs and symptoms of fever

Your child has a fever when their temperature reads above 38°C on a thermometer.

Your child may also be:

• unwell and hot to touch
• irritable or crying
• more sleepy than usual
• vomiting or refusing to drink
• shivering
• in pain

If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, then you should take them to a doctor or emergency department as soon as possible.

Taking your child's temperature

There are a number of ways you can take a child’s temperature. Each method measures your child’s temperature in a different way, and the results can vary depending on the type of thermometer you use. Different methods include:

• infrared forehead thermometer
• under the arm or under the tongue with a digital, mercury or alcohol thermometer
• ear (tympanic) thermometer
• plastic tape thermometers used on the forehead (these are not recommended as they are not reliable).

Some thermometers are more suitable for particular age groups so you should always read and follow the manufacturer's directions to get an accurate reading. You can also ask your Maternal and Child Health Nurse, GP or pharmacist to show you how to use your thermometer. Do this before you need it.

Febrile seizures

Some children can have seizures (a 'fit') when they have a fever. These are called febrile seizures. Your child may have a febrile seizure if their temperature goes up suddenly. Sometimes, a seizure happens when parents don't actually know their child has a fever. Febrile seizures are common and do not usually cause any long term health effects. See our fact sheet Febrile seizures.

Care at home

Infections that produce fever can be caused by different sorts of germs.  Most are caused by viruses and don’t need any treatment.  A few are caused by bacteria, which are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses

Lowering your child’s fever will not help treat the underlying illness more quickly. 

If your child seems well and is happy, there is no need to treat a fever. If your child is miserable, there are things you can do to help them to feel more comfortable:

• Give your child frequent small drinks. Many children refuse to eat when they have a fever. This is not a problem, as long as they stay hydrated
• If your breastfed child is younger than six months, offer extra breastfeeds
• If your formula-fed child is younger than six months, offer the usual amount of formula
• If your baby is older than six months, keep breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. You can also offer your child water or oral rehydration solutions. 
• You might need to give your child smaller amounts of fluid, but more often. 
• Give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if the fever is making them miserable or they have other symptoms, such as a sore throat. Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under three months old or to any child who is dehydrated. Never give aspirin to children. See our fact sheet Pain relief for children.
  
• Try wiping your child’s forehead with a sponge or facewasher soaked in slightly warm water to help them feel comfortable. It’s important they don’t become too cold or uncomfortable when you do this. Cold baths or showers are not recommended.
• Dress your child in enough clothing so that they are not too hot or cold. If your child is shivering, add another layer of clothing or a blanket until they stop.

Watch your child for signs that their illness is getting worse.

When to see a doctor

If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, then you should take them to a doctor or emergency department as soon as possible.

If your child is immunocompromised (has a weakened immune system) for any reason and has a fever above 38°C, you should seek immediate care from your doctor or hospital emergency department.

For all other children, take them to see a GP if their temperature is above 38°C and they have any of the following symptoms:

• a stiff neck or light is hurting their eyes
• vomiting and refusing to drink much
• a rash
• more sleepy than usual
• problems with breathing
• pain that doesn’t get better with pain relief medication.

Also take your child to a GP if they:

• have had any fever for more than two days and there's no obvious cause
  
• seem be getting more unwell
• have had a febrile seizure

Key points to remember

• A fever is when a child’s temperature is 38°C or higher
• Fevers are common in children
• A fever itself rarely causes harm and can help fight an infection
• If your child seems otherwise well and comfortable, there is no need to treat a fever.
• If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, then you should take them to a doctor or emergency department as soon as possible.
• Take your child to the doctor if they seem to be getting worse or have a prolonged fever

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Febrile seizures
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Pain relief for children – paracetamol and ibuprofen.
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Dehydration
• Raising Children’s Network: Taking your child’s temperature
• See your GP or Maternal and Child Health Nurse

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Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital General Medicine and Emergency departments, and Centre for Community Child Health. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed April 2021. 

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.