Fever in Children
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-22. See how we check.
A fever in children is common, usually caused by an ordinary infection, and often settles at home with fluids and rest. Seek urgent medical help for a baby under three months with any fever, or for any child who seems very unwell, has a rash that doesn't fade under pressure, or is difficult to wake.
Overview
A fever is usually the body's normal response to fighting an infection and, on its own, isn't a sign of how serious the illness is — a child with a high temperature can be well, while a child with a lower temperature can be seriously unwell. How a child looks and behaves matters more than the number on the thermometer.
Most fevers in children are caused by common viral infections and settle within a few days.
What may help
- Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Dress them in normal, lightweight clothing — don't overwrap or underdress
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given if they're uncomfortable, following age-appropriate dosing
- Check on them regularly, including through the night if the fever is high
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Fever lasting more than a few days
- A child who's drinking less than usual, or showing fewer wet nappies/reduced urination
- You're simply worried, even without a specific red-flag symptom — trust your judgement as a parent or carer
- A fever returning after seeming to improve
When it could be an emergency
- Any fever in a baby under three months old
- A rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it
- Difficulty waking your child, or they're unusually floppy or unresponsive
- Difficulty breathing, blue lips, or a high-pitched or weak cry
- A stiff neck, bulging soft spot (in babies), or extreme sensitivity to light
- Fever with a seizure (febrile convulsion) — especially the first time
If any of these apply, don't wait — check Red Flags for your country's emergency number, or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Fever in Children" in the appCommon questions
What temperature counts as a fever in a child?
Generally a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, though how your child looks and behaves matters more than the exact number — a well child with a fever is usually less concerning than an unwell child without one.
Should I always give medicine to bring a fever down?
Not necessarily — fever-reducing medicine is mainly for comfort if your child is distressed, not because the fever itself needs to be eliminated. Follow age-appropriate dosing guidance.
What's a febrile convulsion?
A seizure that can happen in young children with a rapidly rising fever — frightening to witness but usually brief and not harmful on its own. Any first-time seizure in a child needs urgent medical assessment.
Read more on the NHS website →
General information only, last checked 2026-09-22 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. Content is checked against current published guidance from official public health sources — see how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.