Fever in Children: When to Worry and When Home Care Is Enough
Fever in children is common and often harmless. Learn how to measure it, safe home care, medicine dos and don'ts, and the warning signs that need help now.
Status: Pending Qualified Medical Review. This article has not yet been reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
It is 2 am. Your child feels hot, is crying, and won't sleep. Every parent in Bangladesh knows this moment. Should you give medicine, wipe them with cold water, wrap them up, or rush to hospital?
The NHS says a high temperature is very common in young children and usually returns to normal within 1 to 4 days. Most fevers are caused by everyday infections like coughs and colds. But some signs mean a child needs help quickly. This guide helps you tell the difference.
What Counts as a Fever in a Child?
The NHS says a normal temperature varies slightly from child to child, and a high temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
Your child might:
- Feel hotter than usual on the back or chest
- Feel sweaty
- Look or feel unwell
- Sometimes have a fit (febrile seizure)
How to measure it properly
Use a digital thermometer from a pharmacy. The NHS method for children:
- Place the thermometer inside the top of the armpit.
- Gently close the arm over it and keep it pressed to the body.
- Leave it in for as long as the instruction leaflet says (many beep when ready).
- Read the display.
If your child has just had a bath or been wrapped in a blanket, wait a few minutes and measure again — the reading may be higher for a short time.
Write each reading down with the time. This record helps a doctor a lot.
Why Do Children Get Fevers?
The NHS explains that a high temperature is the body's natural response to fighting infection. Common causes include:
- Coughs and colds
- Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox and tonsillitis
- Vaccinations — a mild fever after an EPI vaccine is common
In Bangladesh, fever in a child during monsoon season can also be dengue, and fever with diarrhoea may be a gut infection. A doctor can help work out the cause.
Caring for a Child With Fever at Home
The NHS says you can usually look after a feverish child at home.
Do
- Give plenty of fluids. If your baby is breastfed, keep breastfeeding as normal.
- Watch for signs of dehydration (see below).
- Give food if they want it — don't force it.
- Check on your child regularly, including during the night.
- Keep them at home to rest.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given if your child is distressed or uncomfortable. Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine and dose suit your child's age, or ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- Get medical advice if you are worried, or the medicine is not helping.
Don't
The NHS gives clear warnings:
- Do not undress your child or sponge them down to cool them. A high temperature is a natural, healthy response to infection.
- Do not cover them in too many clothes or blankets.
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
- Do not alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen unless a doctor or nurse tells you to.
- Do not give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months.
- Do not give ibuprofen to a child who is under 3 months, weighs under 5 kg, has chickenpox, or is dehydrated.
- Do not give ibuprofen to children with asthma unless a doctor has recommended it.
Bangladesh-specific caution
During dengue season, ask a doctor before giving ibuprofen. Ibuprofen and similar painkillers are generally avoided in dengue because they may increase bleeding risk. Paracetamol is usually preferred until dengue is ruled out.
Also, do not give leftover antibiotics or buy antibiotic syrup without a prescription. Most childhood fevers are viral, and antibiotics won't help.
Signs of dehydration in children
The NHS lists:
- Nappies that are not very wet
- Sunken eyes
- No tears when crying
Others include a dry mouth and being unusually sleepy.
When to Get Medical Advice Soon
The NHS advises getting urgent advice if your child:
- Is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or higher (or you think they have a high temperature)
- Is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- Has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
- Has had a high temperature for 5 days or more
- Doesn't want to eat, or is not their usual self and you are worried
- Is dehydrated
Example
Ayaan, 2, has had a fever of 38.8°C for one day. He is drinking, playing between doses of paracetamol, and passing urine normally. His mother keeps a temperature chart and watches him at home. On day 2, she notices a rash on his tummy along with the fever. Because fever with a rash needs a doctor's view, she arranges a consultation and shares clear photos of the rash.
Emergency: Go to Hospital Now or Call 999
The NHS says get emergency help if your child:
- Has a stiff neck
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- Is bothered by light
- Has a fit (febrile seizure) for the first time and cannot stop shaking
- Has unusually cold hands and feet
- Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (on brown skin, check palms, soles, lips and tongue)
- Is drowsy and hard to wake
- Is extremely agitated (won't stop crying) or confused
- Has difficulty breathing — grunting, stomach sucking in under the ribs, or breathing very fast
- Is not responding like normal, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities
In dengue season, also go to hospital for severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, or a child who becomes very sleepy or restless after the fever goes down.
Do not wait for an online reply in an emergency.
The "glass test"
Press the side of a clear glass firmly against a rash. If you can still see the spots through the glass, it is a rash that does not fade. This can be a sign of a serious infection — get emergency help.
What About Febrile Seizures?
A febrile seizure is a fit caused by fever. It can be very frightening. The NHS lists a first febrile seizure as a reason to call for emergency help.
During a fit:
- Lay the child on their side on a safe, soft surface
- Do not put anything in their mouth
- Note the time it starts and stops
- Get medical help
Related reading: If your child also has loose motions, see diarrhoea in children. For a runny nose and cough, read cold vs flu, and for older family members, see fever in adults: when to see a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is a fever in a child?
The NHS says a high temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
How long does fever last in children?
Usually 1 to 4 days, according to the NHS. Get advice if it lasts 5 days or more.
Should I sponge my child with cold water?
No. The NHS advises not to undress or sponge a child to cool them.
Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Do not alternate them unless a doctor or nurse tells you to. In dengue season, avoid ibuprofen until a doctor advises.
Is fever after vaccination normal?
A mild fever after vaccines is common. If you are worried, or your child has any warning signs, get medical advice.
When is a baby's fever dangerous?
A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or more needs urgent medical advice.
Talk to a Pediatrics Doctor on ShifaMate
If your child has a fever without emergency signs and you want advice, you can browse verified doctors on ShifaMate, including a pediatrics practitioner, and continue in the app. Share your child's age, weight, temperature record, medicines given, and photos of any rash. The doctor can advise on home care and whether your child needs to be seen in person. See the full list of ShifaMate doctors.
For any emergency sign, go to hospital immediately or call 999.
References
- NHS. High temperature (fever) in children
- NHS. Flu (children's symptoms)
- World Health Organization. Dengue and severe dengue
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor.
Sources
This article is general health information, not medical advice for any individual. For your own situation, consult a registered doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital without delay.
