Fever in a child: what to watch
Fever is often a response to infection. The number alone is not enough; watch breathing, alertness, hydration, and behaviour.
Common possible causes
- A common viral infection
- Bacterial infection of the ear, throat, lungs, or urinary tract
- A reaction after vaccination
- Overheating or another inflammatory cause
What you can do now
- Measure with a reliable thermometer
- Offer frequent fluids and light clothing
- Dose fever medicine by weight and the product instructions
- Watch urination, breathing, and responsiveness
When not to wait
- 38 °C or higher in a baby under 3 months
- Breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizure, or altered consciousness
- Stiff neck, non-blanching rash, or severe pain
- Dehydration or unusual difficulty waking the child
When to contact a clinician
Contact a paediatric clinician for young infants, worsening illness, fever lasting several days, or uncertainty. Seek urgent help for warning signs.
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The child is … years/months old, temperature … °C measured…, duration…, drinking…, urination…, other symptoms….