A child’s normal body temperature typically ranges around 37°C (98.6°F) and can vary slightly throughout the day, often being lower in the morning and rising in the late afternoon or evening. These minor fluctuations are common and usually do not indicate a health concern. A reading like 37.1°C falls within this normal range and is generally not considered a fever.
Understanding Fever Thresholds
A fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. The precise temperature considered a fever depends on the measurement method and site. Different sites provide slightly different readings due to varying proximity to the body’s core temperature.
Rectal temperature is the most accurate method for infants and young children, especially those under three months of age. For rectal, ear, or temporal artery (forehead) measurements, 38°C (100.4°F) or higher indicates a fever. An oral temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) or 38°C (100.4°F) is also considered a fever.
Armpit temperatures are the least accurate, with 37.2°C (99°F) or 37.5°C (99.5°F) typically signaling a fever. Digital thermometers are widely recommended for quick and accurate readings. Ear thermometers are suitable for children six months and older, while temporal artery thermometers can be used for all ages.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Certain situations warrant contacting a healthcare provider when a child has a fever. For infants younger than three months, a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher requires immediate medical attention. If a child is between three and six months old, a fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher should prompt a call to the doctor. For children older than six months, medical advice is recommended for fevers of 39.4°C (103°F) or higher.
The duration of a fever can also be a concern; contact a doctor if a fever lasts over 24 hours in children under two years old, or more than 72 hours (three days) in children over two years. Specific accompanying symptoms are important indicators, including:
Unusual lethargy
Difficulty breathing
A rash that does not fade when pressed
A stiff neck
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, sunken eyes, few tears when crying, decreased urination or fewer wet diapers)
Additionally, if a child has underlying health conditions, such as cancer or sickle cell disease, any fever should be promptly evaluated by a doctor.
Supporting Your Child Through a Fever
When a child has a fever that does not require immediate medical attention, focus on providing comfort and supporting their recovery at home. Ensure adequate hydration by offering plenty of fluids such as water, clear soups, or electrolyte solutions. For infants, continue to offer breast milk or formula regularly.
Encourage rest and quiet activities, as sleep aids the body’s healing process. There is no need to wake a sleeping child solely to administer fever medication. Dress the child in lightweight clothing to help regulate temperature and avoid overdressing, which can trap heat.
Lukewarm baths or sponge baths can offer some relief, but avoid cold water or ice packs as they can cause shivering and potentially raise the body’s core temperature.
Fever-reducing medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can be given if the child is uncomfortable. Paracetamol is suitable for children older than three months, with dosage based on weight and administered every four to six hours. Ibuprofen is approved for infants six months and older, with dosage based on weight and given every six to eight hours. Always follow package instructions carefully for correct dosing, using the provided measuring syringe. Aspirin should never be given to children due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
Debunking Fever Myths
Many misunderstandings exist about fevers in children, often causing unnecessary worry for parents. A fever is a natural and beneficial immune response, signaling that the body is actively fighting an infection. It is not inherently harmful.
The notion that a high fever can “cook the brain” is a myth. Brain damage from fever is extremely rare, occurring only at temperatures exceeding 42°C (108°F), typically due to external heat exposure, not from an infection.
Febrile seizures, though alarming to witness, are generally harmless and do not cause brain damage, intellectual disability, or increase the risk of epilepsy. They are a response to a rapid temperature increase, not the temperature itself.
A high temperature does not automatically indicate a serious illness; how a child looks and acts is often more telling than the exact reading on the thermometer. Not all fevers require medication; treatment is primarily aimed at improving the child’s comfort rather than solely lowering the temperature. Fevers do not continuously rise unchecked; the brain has a built-in thermostat that regulates body temperature.