Family Doctor Health Advisor
Children: Babies under one
Sleeping problems in babies | Excessive crying | Fever in babies | Vomiting in babies | Diarrhoea in babies | Feeding problems | Slow weight gain | Skin problems in babies
Children: All ages
Feeling generally unwell | Tiredness | Sleeping problems in children | Growth problems | Excessive weight gain | Fever in children | Rash with fever | Skin problems in children | Hair, scalp, and nail problems | Itching | Lumps and swellings | Dizziness, fainting, and seizures | Headache | Confusion and/or drowsiness | Clumsiness | Speech difficulties | Behaviour problems | School difficulties | Eye problems | Disturbed or impaired vision | Painful or irritated ear | Hearing problems | Runny or blocked nose | Sore throat | Coughing | Breathing problems | Mouth problems | Teeth problems | Eating problems | Vomiting in children | Abdominal pain | Diarrhoea in children | Constipation | Abnormal-looking faeces | Urinary problems | Toilet-training problems | Genital problems in boys | Genital problems in girls | Painful arm or leg | Joint and back problems | Foot problems | Limping
Children: Adolescents
Adolescent weight problems | Adolescent behaviour problems | Problems with puberty in boys | Problems with puberty in girls | Adolescent skin problems
Fever in babies
For children over 1, see Fever in children.
A fever is an abnormally high body temperature of 38°C (100°F) or above. A baby that has a fever will have a hot forehead and is likely to seem unhappy and fretful. If you think your baby may be unwell, take his or her temperature (see Taking your baby's temperature). A high fever may cause a baby to have a seizure, which is a medical emergency (see Febrile convulsions in babies and children). If your baby has a fever, take steps to reduce it (see Bringing down a fever), and consult this chart.
Warning
Danger signs Call an ambulance if your baby has a fever accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal drowsiness
- Flat, dark red spots that do not fade on pressure (see Checking a red rash)
- A seizure that has lasted for longer than 5 minutes
- Has refused feeds for more than 3 hours (babies under 3 months) or more than 6 hours (3 months and over)
Self-Help Taking your baby's temperature
Using a standard thermometer
Hold the thermometer in the baby's armpit for 3 minutes. For a more accurate reading, add 0.6°C (1°F) to the temperature shown.
To take your baby's temperature using a standard thermometer, place the bulbous end in the armpit. Alternatively, you can use an aural thermometer, which you place in the baby's ear (see Taking your child's temperature). You must never place a glass thermometer in a baby's mouth.
Febrile convulsions in babies and children
Cooling your child
If your child has a febrile convulsion, remove clothing and bedcovers to cool him or her down.
A febrile convulsion is a type of seizure that affects some children aged 6 months to 5 years. It is triggered by an abrupt rise in body temperature, often at the onset of a feverish illness. During a convulsion, the child may:
- Lose consciousness
- Shake or jerk violently
- Stop breathing temporarily or breathe shallowly, which may result in a bluish tinge to the skin
- Pass urine and/or faeces
- Roll back his or her eyes
Febrile convulsions usually last for less than 5 minutes and, although frightening, are not often serious. About a third of children who have had a febrile convulsion have another one within 6 months. Most affected children stop having convulsions at about 5 years of age. Febrile convulsions are rarely an indication of epilepsy in later life.
Convulsions may be avoided by keeping your child's temperature down (see Bringing down a fever). If he or she does have a febrile convulsion, remove excess clothes, try to reduce his or her temperature by sponging with tepid water, and surround him or her with soft objects, such as pillows, to prevent injury.
After the seizure has finished, place your child in the recovery position. He or she may fall asleep shortly afterwards. Call your doctor if your child has a convulsion. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance.
Fever after immunizations
Some babies and young children develop a mild fever after an immunization. Routine immunizations are usually given at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. If your child develops a fever after an immunization, you should follow the self-help advice for reducing his or her fever (see Bringing down a fever). Call your doctor immediately if your child's temperature rises above 39°C (102°F) or if he or she has other symptoms, such as an unusual or high-pitched cry. You should also call your doctor if self-help measures are not successful in reducing your child's temperature.
If your child has been unwell after having an immunization, mention it to your doctor or nurse before the next immunization is due. He or she can advise you on how to deal with any symptoms that may develop.
If your child has a fever at the time when an immunization is due, it should be postponed until he or she is better.
Family Doctor Health Advisor is for information purposes only, and is designed as a general reference and catalyst to seeking further information.
The RACGP is not engaged in providing medical or other advice or services, and is not responsible for the results of any actions taken by any person on the basis of any information in this publication, or for any error in, or omission from, this publication.
Publication Date: 31 March 2009
Authorised By: RACGP
