Febrifobia? Is fever dangerous?
Fever is one of the most common symptoms in children and often causes concern among parents.
What is considered a fever in a child?
Fever is defined as a body temperature of:
- Above 38°C (100.4°F) when measured rectally
- Above 37.8°C (100°F) when measured orally
- Above 37.5°C (99.5°F) when measured under the arm (axillary)
When should I worry about my child's fever?
Contact the doctor if:
- The baby is under 3 months old and has a fever.
- The fever is over 39°C (102.2°F) in a 3–6-month-old baby.
- The fever lasts more than 1 day in children under 2 years.
- The fever lasts more than 3–4 days in children over 2 years, or immediately if the child appears unwell.
- The child has difficulty breathing, persistent crying, drowsiness, or skin rashes.
- There are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, lethargy).
How can I reduce my child's fever?
- Use fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, as directed by your doctor.
- Do NOT give aspirin to children.
- Dress the child lightly and keep the room cool.
- Offer fluids (water, juices, soups) to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid cold baths, as they may cause shivering.
Does fever always mean infection?
Fever is a normal response of the body to common viral or bacterial infections, but
it may also be caused by:
- Vaccinations
- Teething (usually causes low-grade fever)
When can the child return to school?
A child can return to school:
- 24 hours after the fever has resolved
- 48 hours after symptoms of gastroenteritis have resolved