Fever in children under 5 years

Advice for parents and carers of children younger than 5 years

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If your child has any of the following:

  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Has blue lips
  • Severe breathing difficulty - too breathless to talk / eat or drink
  • Has a fit / seizure
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (see the ‘Glass Test’ overleaf)
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)

You need urgent help

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is finding it hard to breathe
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
  • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
  • Has had chickenpox in the past few days and is now getting more unwell with a high fever and spreading red rash
  • Swelling of a limb or joint
  • Too painful for your child to stand
  • Has a swollen eye
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
  • Seems to be getting worse or if you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

  • If none of the above features are present

Self care

Using the advice below you can provide the care your child needs at home

How can I look after my child?

  • Keep your baby/child as comfortable as possible. Consider giving paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort. Paracetamol can be given to children aged two months or older for pain or fever (ibuprofen can only be used above three months of age).
  • Offer them simple food and regular drinks. Where a baby is breastfed, continue breast feeding.
  • If they are vomiting, offer small frequent drinks as this is more likely to stay down.
  • Do not try to control your child’s temperature with tepid sponging or fans.
  • Keep an eye on your child day and night and follow the guidance overleaf.
  • If a rash appears do “the glass test” (see guidance overleaf).
  • Fever is common in babies up to 48 hours after receiving immunisations - consider giving regular paracetamol. If your child is due their vaccinations, postpone until after their fever has improved.
  • If you need to keep your child away from nursery or school while they are unwell and have a fever please notify the nursery or school – see www.what0-18.nhs.uk for advice if you are unsure.

About fever in children

Most children with a fever do get better very quickly but some children can get worse. You need to regularly check your child during the day and also through the night and follow the advice given below.

  • Fever is extremely common in children and usually suggests that your child has an infection.
  • Your child has a fever if their temperature is over 38°C. The most accurate way of measuring your child’s temperature is with a digital thermometer.
  • Viral infections are far more common than bacterial infections. Symptoms such as runny nose, cough, wheeze, sore throat, red eyes and diarrhoea are more suggestive of a viral infection than a bacterial infection. If a number of people are unwell in the same household, this also suggests a viral infection (because viral infections are easily spread).
  • Viral infections tend to get better on their own and do not need treatment with antibiotics.

Using medicines to help

  • If your child is distressed you should consider giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen to help them feel more comfortable. Use one and if your child has not improved 2-3 hours later you may want to try giving the other medicine.
  • Carefully read the instructions on the medicine for dose and frequency.
  • You could ask your local pharmacist for more advice about medicines.
  • In general, we do not recommend cough medicines.

The Glass Test

Do the ‘glass test’ if your child has a rash. Press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the spots through the glass and they do not fade as you press the glass onto the skin then this is called a ‘non-blanching rash’. If you see this type of rash, seek medical advice immediately. The rash is harder to see on dark skin so check paler areas, such as palms of the hands, soles of the feet and tummy.

(Photo courtesy of the Meningitis Research Foundation 2013)

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Visit the PIER groups website Visit the Wessex Local Medical Committees Ltd website NHS Choices # Copyright 2015 - 2024 Healthier Together
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