Fever

The range of normal body temperature is 36-37°C (96.8-98.6°F). Anything over 37°C (98.6°F) is a fever, although the height body temperature reaches is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the seriousness of the illness.

A fever is not in itself an illness, but rather a symptom of one. Apart from any illness, your child's temperature will reflect the time of day and activity level: after a very strenuous game of football, for example, the temperature could temporarily be over 38°C (100.4°F). A temperature of over 37°C (98.6) could be serious in a baby under six months old. If the temperature remains high, there is also a slight risk of a febrile seizure occurring.

What to do

If you suspect that your child has a fever, take his temperature, then check it again in 20 minutes to see if it has varied. Make a note of each reading.

Put your child to bed and remove most of his clothing, even if the room is cool. A child with a fever need only be covered by a light cotton sheet. Give children's paracetamol in the recommended dose to help bring down the temperature. If the temeperature is high, give him paracetamol and ibuprofen; alternate the two in order to reduce in fever and then a steady control of the temperature. Never give aspirin to a child under 16 years of age as this has been linked to Reye's syndrome.

Encourage your child to drink as much liquid as possible by offering small amounts of fluid often. Seek medical advice if: your child is under six months old; he has a febrile seizure; he has had a seizure before or if seizures run in the family; if your baby has a fever that lasts more than 24 hours (or three days in a child), or if you are worried about any of the other symptoms.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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