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Fever is a common symptom which can show in your child due to numerous factors and is a common symptom of many childhood illnesses with the most common cause being a viral infection. One of the main factors which your Doctor will have to determine is that the fever has been brought about due to a viral infection and not a bacterial one.

The reason why this is important is because a viral infection won’t respond to antibiotics whereas in most cases a bacterial one will need treatment with antibiotics in order to clear up.

A fever is very rarely brought about for other reasons not associated with infections but in cases such as these, the fever will normally have been present for weeks or even months on and off rather than just being associated with any current infection your child may have.

How do I know if my child has a fever?

There were always thought to be three basic ways of taking your child’s temperature but today with the advancements made in technology digital ear thermometers are now thought to be the best, quickest and most reliable way to take a child’s temperature.

These can be purchased from any chemist and will give an accurate reading in just a couple of minutes or less, along with the digital thermometer are strips that can be purchased which are stuck to the child’s forehead and are thought to be just as good and reliable as the digital ear thermometer.

Methods which were used prior to this new technology were by mouth using a stick thermometer, rectally and axillary or under the armpit.

What is a normal temperature?

On average the normal temperature is said to be around 98.6 f or 37c, there is said to be a fever present if the temperature is around 99f or 37.2c or above.

When should I call the Doctor?

Giving your child pain relief medication such as calpol which is available in different strengths depending on the age of your child can help to reduce the fever.

A luke warm sponge bath may also be given to refresh the child although care should be taken not to use cold water, and you should make sure your child wears comfortable clothing that isn’t too restricting.

You might have to call the Doctor if the fever reaches 103f or 38.5c and doesn’t show signs of coming down or if your child is unusually ill, tired or very drowsy, if the fever lasts for more than three days, or if the child is a very young baby.

If there is any sign of a bright red rash then you should seek the advice of a Doctor or health care visitor immediately or if you have any other cause for concern about the health of your child.