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What is Fever?

• A body temperature that rises above 38 degrees
• Usually caused by a viral infection in children
• Fever in itself is not harmful and is one of the bodies normal responses to infection
• It is not uncommon for a child to have several mild infections per year causing fever.

Taking a Temperature:

• Axillary - under the arm. This is the safest way to take a temperature in young children. Read after 3 minutes.
• Mouth - under tongue, for over 5 year olds. Read after 3 minutes.
• Ear - Using tympanic thermometer. Not always accurate in babies. Results in seconds.

Treatment for a fever:

• dress in light clothing
• give small frequent drinks of clear fluid
• fever does not necessarily require treatment with medications
• give paracetamol (panadol) only if the child is distressed or appears to be in pain
• Paracetamol has not been shown to decrease the risk of febrile convulsions
• do not give regular paracetamol for over 48 hours without medical assessment

Things to avoid:

• wrapping or overdressing, even if the child feels that they are cold as the body can't then lose heat through the skin
• fans / air conditioning
• cold water sponging (crying or shivering will increase the temperature)
• no more than 4 doses of paracetamol per day and no less than every 4 hours

NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO A CHILD UNDER 16 AS IT COULD CAUSE A
RARE CONDITION CALLED REYE'S SYNDROME

Seek immediate professional advice if the child:

• Looks pale and lethargic
• Suffers severe headache, neck stiffness or photophobia (light hurts eyes)
• Has breathing problems
• Has a rash
• Is becoming more unwell
• Will not drink
• Shows signs of drowsiness

Note: Children under 6 months of age and those with chronic health problems should be monitored closely

Sources: Paediatric Handbook 7th edition 2003
Community Paediatric Review
Fever: Department of Health Handout