Fever is one of the most common reasons parents visit us — and most fevers in children are caused by mild viral infections that pass on their own. Here is how to judge it calmly.
At home: a fever is 38.0°C (100.4°F) or above. Dress your child lightly, offer fluids often, and use paracetamol in the dose written for your child's weight. Do not use cold baths or spirit rubs — they do not help. Watch the child, not just the thermometer: a child who drinks, wakes normally and plays between spikes is usually fine.
See a doctor promptly if the fever lasts more than three days, keeps returning above 39.5°C, or comes with ear pain, a sore throat that stops swallowing, pain passing urine, or a rash.
Go to emergency now if your baby is under three months with any fever; or your child has a fit, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake.
Our paediatric team and emergency department are available around the clock — when in doubt, call us. No question about a sick child is ever a silly question.
Reviewed by the specialists at Medlyn Hospital. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis — if you are worried about your health or your child's, please speak to a doctor.