Family health
Fever in children: what to watch, and when to see a paediatrician
· 5 min read
A fever is a sign the body is fighting something, not a disease in itself. How your child behaves matters more than the number on the thermometer — but some situations need a doctor the same day.
See a paediatrician today if
Do not wait for the fever to settle in these situations.
- Your baby is under three months old and has any fever
- The child is unusually drowsy, floppy or very hard to wake
- Breathing is fast, noisy or laboured
- There is a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Fluids are being refused, or there are far fewer wet nappies than usual
- The fever passes five days
What helps at home
Keep fluids going in small, frequent sips, dress the child lightly, and use the dose of paracetamol your doctor has advised for their weight. Cold baths and alcohol sponging do more harm than good.
What to tell the doctor
Note when the fever started, the highest recorded temperature, what medicines were given and at what time, plus eating, drinking and urine output. It turns a vague consultation into a precise one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a home visit for a child with fever?
Only when the doctor or clinic has opened home visit slots. For any warning sign in the list above, go to a clinic or hospital instead of waiting.
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