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Understanding Fever in Children
Aug 05, 2025
What is a Fever?
A body temperature above the normal range, i.e.,99.6°For higher measured with a thermometer under arm.
Fever is not an illness, it's a sign your body is fighting an illness, infection or any injury. It helps activate defenses to destroy the infection.
Managing Your Child’s Fever
Common Causes of Fever in Children
Types of Fevers in Children: The Monsoon Impact
Dengue: Caused bydengue virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (Mosquito-borne viral disease).
Prevention and Care for Fever in Children:
While not all fevers can be prevented, you can reduce the risk of infections that cause fever in children with the following measures:
Though Fever is a common symptom in children, there are times when a fever in children could signal something more serious, and it’s important to know when to seek medical help.
Caring for Your Child at Home
A body temperature above the normal range, i.e.,99.6°For higher measured with a thermometer under arm.
Fever is not an illness, it's a sign your body is fighting an illness, infection or any injury. It helps activate defenses to destroy the infection.
Managing Your Child’s Fever
- Checking Temperature: There are several ways to check your child’s temperature, but the preferred method for young children is under the arm. It’s simple and comfortable for your child.
- Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit:Use the formula:°F=°C × (9/5)+32
- Be Cautious with Paracetamol: When your child has a fever, paracetamol is often the first medicine many parents reach for to help reduce their temperature and ease discomfort. However, it’s important to be mindful when giving any medication to your child. Paracetamol comes in various strengths and formulations - such as 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg to suit children of different ages and weights.
Common Causes of Fever in Children
- Viral infections(e.g., colds, flu, gastroenteritis, dengue fever, meningitis)
- Bacterial infections(e.g., ear, eye or skin infections, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections)
- Immunizations(mild fever after vaccines)
- Teething(slight temperature raises)
- Certain medications (side effects)
- Rare conditions (underlying diseases, if any)
- Heat strokes (usually in summer).
Types of Fevers in Children: The Monsoon Impact
Dengue: Caused bydengue virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (Mosquito-borne viral disease).
Prevention and Care for Fever in Children:
While not all fevers can be prevented, you can reduce the risk of infections that cause fever in children with the following measures:
- Drink boiled/filtered water - Stay hydrated
- Maintain hygiene: handwashing, clean clothes
- Keep your home Mosquito-free
- Eliminate stagnant water
- Avoid street food
- Keep your child’s nails trimmed and discourage nail-biting to reduce the risk of infections.
- Stay updated onVaccinations
- Seek immediate medical attention: If your child exhibits severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, signs of severe dehydration, seizures or convulsions or unresponsiveness.
Though Fever is a common symptom in children, there are times when a fever in children could signal something more serious, and it’s important to know when to seek medical help.
- New-borns (under 3 months)with a temperature over100.4°F (38°C)
- New-borns (6 monthsold) with a temperature over102.2°F(39°C)
- High feverlasting more than5 days
- Has a rash, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light
- Feelingdrowsyor unresponsive
- Seizures
- Dehydrated(no tears, dry mouth, fewer wet nappies)
- Flushed, sweaty, or chills/shivering
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Burning, or frequent urination
Caring for Your Child at Home
- Prefer light, comfortable clothing
- Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Allow rest, but quiet play is fine.
- Don’t take self-medication or antibiotics without a doctor’s advice.
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