Overview
Fever is not an illness by itself. It is a common sign that the body is responding to an infection or another cause of inflammation. Many fevers in children are mild and get better as the child recovers, but age, symptoms, and behavior are important in deciding how serious it may be.
Key Symptoms
A child with fever may feel warm, look flushed, sweat, shiver, seem tired, or be less interested in eating and playing. Some children may also have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, or body aches. A fever should be measured with a thermometer when possible rather than guessed by touch alone.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most fevers in children are caused by viral or bacterial infections. Fever can also happen after some vaccinations, with overheating, or less commonly with inflammatory conditions. Risk of serious illness is higher in very young infants, children with weak immune systems, and children who are dehydrated or have trouble breathing.
Who Is Affected
Children of all ages can get fevers, especially during common cold, flu, and other infection seasons. Babies younger than 3 months need special attention because fever may be the first sign of a serious infection. Children with chronic medical conditions may also need earlier medical advice.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals look at the child's age, temperature, symptoms, how long the fever has lasted, and how the child appears overall. They may ask about fluid intake, urine output, recent illness contacts, travel, and vaccination history. Some children may need tests such as a urine test, blood test, or other checks depending on their age and symptoms.
Treatment Categories
Home care focuses on comfort and watching closely. Offer fluids often, dress the child in light clothing, avoid heavy blankets, and encourage rest. Medicines sometimes used for fever should only be given exactly as directed by a qualified healthcare professional or the product label for the child's age and weight, and aspirin should not be given to children unless specifically instructed by a clinician.
Living With It
Many children with fever can be cared for at home if they are still drinking, urinating, waking up, and interacting reasonably well. Keep track of the temperature, when it started, other symptoms, and whether the child is getting better or worse. A child may return to usual activities when fever has gone and they feel well enough, following local school or childcare guidance.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if a baby younger than 3 months has a fever, if the fever lasts several days, or if the child is getting worse instead of better. Also seek care for signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a healthcare professional if the child has ear pain, stiff neck, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, worsening cough, rash, or if you are worried for any reason.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency help right away if the child has trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, a seizure, severe confusion, is hard to wake, has a stiff neck with severe illness, or has a rapidly spreading or purple-looking rash. Emergency care is also needed if the child shows signs of severe dehydration, severe weakness, or is not responding normally. Trust your instincts if a child looks very sick or rapidly worsens.