Fever Facts! For your little one

Children can feel warm for many reasons. Examples are crying, playing hard, hot weather, and getting out of a warm bed. They are "giving off heat." Their skin temperature should return to normal in 10 to 20 minutes. 

The normal temperature for babies and children is 36.4 degrees Celsius, although it may vary slightly from child to child. The term "high temperature" refers to a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE DOCTOR?

• Child is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 C or higher.
• Child is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 C or higher
• Has other signs of illness, such as a rash
• Has a high temperature that lasts for 5 days or more
• Child does not want to eat or is not their usual self and you're worried
• Has a high temperature that does not come down with medication
• Child is dehydrated - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying

Did You Know? 

When fever medicine is administered, fevers often do not return to normal. It will take two or three days for them to return to normal. It is very important to consider how your child looks and feels. You should keep in mind that your child's fever is a response to an infection. When your child has a fever and also shows other symptoms, such as weakness or difficulty drinking, it is more likely that the cause is serious.

Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician
If you have questions for the doctor, please click here.