What is a fever?

A fever is a body temperature of 38°C or higher.

Fevers are common in young children and are usually mild.

Sometimes the cause of a fever will need urgent medical attention. But in most cases, fevers can be managed at home.

You can read more about fever in babies.

What symptoms are related to fever in children?

Your child may have a fever if:

• their face is hot to touch
• they look red or flushed
• they have chills or are shivering

The high temperature may make your child feel uncomfortable.

A fever can cause other symptoms, such as:

• sweating
• tiredness or sleeping more than usual
• looking pale
• being irritable or crying
• not eating and drinking as much as usual

Your child may also have other symptoms related to the cause of their fever.

To see if your child has a fever, you can check their temperature with a thermometer.

What causes fever in children?

Fever is one of the ways your body fights infection.

Infections with a virus are by far the most common cause of fever in children. Infections can also be caused by bacteria.

Infections that can cause fevers in children include:

• colds and flu (influenza)
• COVID-19
• ear infections
• throat infections or tonsillitis
• urinary tract infections
• pneumonia
• meningitis

It’s possible to have a fever after having some childhood vaccinations.

Less commonly, fever in children can be due to an other problems, such as:

• an inflammatory condition
• an immune system problem
• a medicine

Teething does not cause a fever.

How is the cause of fever in children diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and how long they have been unwell. They will want to know:

• if your child has been eating or drinking as usual
• about your child’s general health
• if you have recently been travelling with your child
• if your child has had contact with someone with an infection
• if your child takes any medicines
• whether your child has had their childhood vaccinations

They will examine your child, including taking their temperature with a thermometer.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend tests, such as:

• urine (wee) tests
• blood tests
• a nose or throat swab
• a chest x-ray

When should I take my child to see a doctor?

You should also see your doctor straight away if you are concerned, or if your child:

• shows other signs of being unwell
• is vomiting and not taking fluids well
• has a rash
• has a fever above 40 degrees
• has a febrile convulsion (seizure)
• has ongoing headaches
• has ongoing tummy pain
• the light is hurting their eyes
• the fontanelle (soft spot on your baby's head) is bulging
• has had the fever for more than 2 days
• seems to be getting more unwell
• has travelled or been in contact with someone with a serious infection

When to seek urgent care

See your doctor straight away or go to the emergency department if your child has a problem with their immune system and a fever above 38°C.

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you notice that your child:

• is drowsy
• is having difficulty breathing
• has a stiff neck

How is fever in children treated?

Most causes of a fever in children are not serious and can be managed at home. But young babies with fever and children who are very unwell with fevers need treatment in hospital.

Children with a bacterial infection need treatment with antibiotics.

Self-care at home

If your child has a fever, here are some ways to make them more comfortable:

• Dress them in light clothing to keep them cool.
• Cover them with a sheet or light blanket if they are shivering.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature by adjusting the heating or opening a window.
• Give them plenty of cool, clear fluids to drink — such as water and oral rehydration solutions.
• Wipe their forehead with a warm sponge or facecloth soaked in slightly warm water.

Cold baths and showers are not recommended for babies and children with a fever.

Don’t worry if your child isn’t hungry. The most important thing is to make sure they are drinking enough to avoid dehydration.

Medicines for fever in children

There is no need to give medicines to a child for fever unless they are in pain or discomfort.

Paracetamol can be given to children for pain and symptoms of fever. Make sure you have the right strength for your child's age and weight. Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ibuprofen can be given for pain and symptoms of fever in children who are aged 3 months or older. Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless your doctor tells you differently.

Don't give aspirin to children under 16 years.

What are the complications of fever in children?

A fever can sometimes cause seizures in young children. These are called febrile seizures. They usually happen between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.

Febrile seizures usually happen in children with a simple viral infection.

Most febrile seizures aren’t harmful. But you should see a doctor to make sure your child doesn’t have a serious infection. Treatment may be needed for the cause of the fever.

Can fever be prevented?

Most fevers in children are caused by infections with viruses or bacteria. You can help prevent infections in children by:

• washing your hands often
• sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow
• not sharing items such as cups, utensils and towels with people who are unwell
• keeping your child at home if they are unwell
• making sure your child has their childhood vaccinations

Resources and Support

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has information on fever in children, also available in languages other than English.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network also has a factsheet on fever, which is available in different languages.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.