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Fever

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FEVER

Fever is a raised body temperature of over 38.5°C (101°F) in adults, or over 38°C (100°F) for a child. If you have a fever your body temperature will be higher than normal and you will sweat.
It is helpful to have a raised temperature to fight viruses. Avoid using paracetamol out of habit to reduce temperature.
Fever is the body's natural reaction when infections make us ill. Fever helps us to fight the infection.

Advice
YOU MUST ENCOURAGE THE CHILD TO DRINK A LOT. If the child has a fever he/she will lose a lot of fluid. Always replace lost fluid. Make sure the ill person has enough to drink.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Open the windows to let some fresh air in occasionally.
Sponge the child's body with lukewarm water. This will make the child feel more comfortable.
If you have a thermometer then take the child's temperature. Place the thermometer under the armpit or in the mouth.
If the child has a fever then watch carefully for any further symptoms.

Contact your doctor
FIRST CONTACT THE PARENTS. THE PARENTS SHOULD THEN CONTACT THE DOCTOR:

• If the child feels feverish and has a longstanding or serious medical problem.
  
• If the fever comes back after a few days of feeling normal.
  
• If the child's fever returns after 2 days, and your child becomes unwell again.
  
• If the fever does not go away within 3 days, and you do not know why the child has the fever.
  
• IIf the child feels listless.
  
• If you have been to the tropics or a very hot country recently.
  

Children over 1 year

• If your child is confused or drowsy, whatever its temperature.

THE PARENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR GP

• If the child is vomiting (being sick) all the time.
  
• If you think the child is in pain.
  
• If the child is short of breath.
  
• If the child has a fever and diarrhoea or vomiting or does not want to drink, after 24 hours.
  

Babies

• If the soft spot on top of your baby's head (fontanelle) is tight or bulging.
  
• If the baby moans when you lift its legs to change a dirty nappy.
  
• If the baby is being very sick (not just posseting).
  
• If the baby is not drinking much.
  
• If the baby gets diarrhoea.
  
• If the baby has a fit or convulsion.
  
• If the baby has a fever which does not go away after 2 days. Speak to your doctor about this, even if the baby seems to be normal and is drinking enough.
  

Contact the doctor immediately

• If the child shows any signs of neck cramp or pain when bending the head, or vomits all the time.
  
• If the child has a temperature of over 40°C (104°F).
  
• If the child feels or appears listless, even if there is no fever or a low fever, your child could be very ill.
  
• If the child has a rash (see factsheet on rashes and spots in ill or feverish children).
  

Febrile convulsion
A fever that rises quickly may bring about a febrile convulsion. This is more often known as a fit.
STAY WITH THE CHILD. Keep calm. The convulsion (fit) will usually only last for a few minutes. The child will not be able to talk and will have muscle spasms. The child's eyes will be rolling.
After the convulsion (fit) the child will naturally go to sleep. The child's breathing will be normal. (If the child is unconscious, breathing will be loud and very heavy.)
Gently place the child on its side or stomach, with the head down and to one side.
Following a fit it may be appropriate for the child to be admitted to hospital for observation and further treatment if necessary.

Always consult with your GP or A & E Department