Fever Ask your local pharmacist for advice on how you can manage your child’s fever

About fever Fever occurs when the body temperature is above normal (over 37.5˚C/99.5˚F). Fever usually suggests that a child has an infection and it is very common in childhood. Common causes include colds, ear infections, stomach upsets and common childhood diseases like chicken pox.

About fever Children can also have a fever when teething or following their vaccinations. It is rare that fever is due to severe infections, e.g. pneumonia, septicaemia or meningitis. Fever is common in pre-school children; however a child under six months of age with a fever should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

About fever Fever usually gets better by itself and should not last more than 5 days. In most cases there should be no need to visit the GP for antibiotics. Using antibiotics when they are not needed could cause side effects and stop them working when they really are required.

What can I do to help? Take your child’s temperature regularly. Keep a check on children even during the night. Keep your child cool, don’t over dress them and cool the room. Keep children hydrated. Follow the guidelines in place at your child’s school or nursery whilst they have a fever.

Medication Speak to a local pharmacist to get advice on the best treatment for your child’s symptoms Give paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will reduce fever. Do not give both at the same time.

When should I see a GP? If your child demonstrates any symptoms of a more serious illness. If the fever lasts more than 24 hours with no other symptoms of infection, e.g. runny nose, sore throat, cough or earache etc. If the fever lasts for five days or more. If your child’s health becomes worse or they have a symptom that worries you.

Seek medical advice straight away! On very rare occasions fever can be a sign of a more serious condition. You should contact your GP, health visitor, NHS 111 or out of hours service straight away if you notice ANY of the following: Very high fever. Repeated or dark green vomit. Your child is pale, ashen, mottled or blue. Your child is drowsy, irritable, unable to wake up easily, confused or vacant. Breathing faster or nostrils flaring. Your child is dehydrated. Their fever lasts more than 5 days or more than 24 hours with no other signs of infection. They develop a rash which doesn’t disappear when pressure is applied to it (tumbler test). You notice any signs or symptoms that you think are unusual or you can’t explain, e.g. unusually severe headache, very severe leg pains, unable to stand or walk, high-pitched unusual crying, swelling in a limb or joint, stiff neck or body, they are floppy, they dislike bright lights, they begin to fit, they have cold limbs, hands or feet. CONTACT YOUR GP, HEALTH VISITOR, NHS 111 OR OUT OF HOURS SERVICE STRAIGHT AWAY