My Child Has A Fever, What Should I Do?

It is common for every child to have a fever once and a while. It is a part of the body’s natural response to fight off infectious diseases. When your little one first gets a fever, however, it can be quite scary if you have no idea what is happening. It is incredibly important for all parents to learn about fevers, how they happen, what to do and when to call a doctor. So, we have created this handy guide to help you understand fevers. 

What is a fever? 

A fever happens when the body raises its temperature above 38 degrees Celsius. Normally the body is able to keep itself at a normal temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. It can do this through sweating, moving blood closer to the surface of the skin, getting rid of body water, and a natural desire to seek a cooler environment. However, during a fever these systems no longer attempt to keep your body temperature at 37 degrees Celsius. Your body adjusts its internal thermostat above 38 degrees Celsius to help it overcome certain conditions.  

What causes a fever? 

When fever hits it is a sign that your body is battling certain conditions to help in the healing process. These conditions could be: 

• Infectious diseases like the flu 
• Infections like ear infections of sore throats 
• Certain medications can also induce a fever 
• Blood transfusions 
• Disorders in the brain 

• Heat stroke 
• Vaccines can also cause a mild fever; however this is quite common and actually is a sign of the vaccine working.  

Fevers are the bodies natural response to fight off these conditions. When it comes to vaccines this phase is a good sign as vaccines work by training the immune system. A fever is a sign that the immune system is acting to ward off microbial invaders. It can also stimulate an inflammatory response, telling the body to send substances to protect the area of infection and begin to heal.  

What are the signs of a fever? 

A fever is fairly simple to diagnose once you have an idea it may be happening. If your child reads a rectal or oral temperature at 38 degrees Celsius or above, then they have a fever. 

You may notice a change in behaviour before you have tested their temperature. This is a good indicator as to whether they have a fever. These behaviour changes may include: 

• Your child may display decline in energy, with them not being as active or talkative as usual 
• They may feel warm or hot, even if it is cold. If they feel hot to touch that may not be a fever. It is always best to get the trusty thermometer out.  
• They may be less hungry but thirstier than usual. 

• They may begin to be fussier than usual, seemingly unable to get comfortable. 

There is always a chance that these symptoms may resemble another medical condition, so it is advisable to consult your GP for advice.

How can I treat the fever? 

Treating a fever will not help in treating the infection. However, it will help relieve some discomfort so that you can let the body do its thing and fight off the infection. To help make your child more comfortable you can give your child some common over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen). These will help alleviate some of the symptoms, improving comfort. Do not give your child Aspirin as this has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers.  

To help your child further you can also:  

• Dress them lightly. Take off some excess clothes that trap body heat, however, ensure that they still remain warm.  
• Make sure that they drink plenty of fluids. Water and juices are excellent choices, especially if they have a flu. 

• Give your child a lukewarm bath. Ensure that the water is lukewarm, not cold as this can cause other problems. 

When should I call my GP? 

You should call your doctor immediately if your child has a fever and: 

• Is drowsy or fussy 
• Has a seizure 
• Has other medical conditions 
• Looks very sick 
• Has other symptoms 

• If your child is under three months and has a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius get them to a doctor right away 
• If your child has repeated fevers 
• If your child is younger than 2 and has a fever for more than 1 day 
• If your child’s fever continues for more than 3 days 

With this knowledge you should be equipped the next time your child has a fever. Remember if you have any doubts or concerns contact your GP. They are there to help you and your family stay healthy.  

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