Common Illness · 5 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more is a fever.
- Fever is the body fighting infection — how your child looks matters more than the number.
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs a doctor the same day.
- Give fever medicine only in the dose your doctor advises for your child's weight.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Baby under 3 months with any fever
- Fits (seizures), unusual drowsiness or hard to wake
- Fast or difficult breathing
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
- Not drinking, or very few wet nappies
- Fever lasting more than 2–3 days
How to check for fever
Use a digital thermometer. In babies and young children, an armpit reading is simple and safe — hold the thermometer in place until it beeps. Feeling the forehead with your hand is not reliable.
Write down the readings and the times, and bring them to the consultation. It helps the doctor see the pattern.
Caring for your child at home
Most fevers are caused by viral infections that settle on their own in a few days. Your aim is to keep your child comfortable and well hydrated.
- Offer frequent sips of fluids; keep breastfeeding babies at the breast.
- Dress your child in light clothing — do not bundle them up.
- Let them rest; they do not need to eat much for a day or two if they are drinking.
- Use paracetamol only as advised by your doctor, by weight, using the measuring syringe.
- Never give aspirin to children.
Do antibiotics help?
Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Most childhood fevers are viral, and antibiotics will not help them. The doctor will decide after examining your child whether an antibiotic is needed.
Questions parents ask
Can a high fever damage my child's brain?
Fever from common infections does not damage the brain. Some young children have a short fit with fever (a febrile seizure) — this needs a doctor's review, but most children recover fully.
Should I wake my child to give fever medicine?
No. If your child is sleeping comfortably, let them rest. Medicine is for comfort, not to bring the number down.
What temperature is too high for a child?
Any fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more in a baby under 3 months, or 39°C (102.2°F) or more in a baby aged 3 to 6 months, needs a doctor promptly. In older children, how your child looks and behaves matters more than the number — see a doctor for any warning sign, whatever the reading.
My child has had fever for 3 days. Should I worry?
Yes, get your child checked. Most viral fevers settle within 2 to 3 days, so a fever that lasts longer needs a doctor's examination — even if your child seems fairly well between doses of medicine.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
How we can help
Out-Patient Care
Comprehensive OP consultations and follow-ups for infants, children and adolescents.
Emergencies
Swift, compassionate 24-hour emergency care for children when it matters most.
Blood Tests
Accurate and gentle blood tests and diagnostics for children.