Fever in Children

A hot, grumpy child and a thermometer that says 39. Fever is one of the most common reasons parents call a doctor. Most fevers are the body doing its job against a virus. How your child looks and acts matters more than the number.

What counts: a temperature of 38°C or more. A digital thermometer under the armpit works well for young children.

Why it happens: fever is a normal response to infection, and it helps the immune system. Viruses such as colds and flu are by far the most common cause. Ear, throat and urine infections, pneumonia and, rarely, meningitis can also cause it, as can some vaccines.

How long: most fevers settle within 1 to 4 days.

Febrile seizures: some children aged 6 months to 6 years have a fit when they have a fever, often as the temperature rises. They look frightening and are usually harmless, but a child who has one should see a doctor to check the cause of the fever.

The fever ladder

Fever medicine is for comfort, not for the number. It doesn’t make the illness go away faster. Watching your child is the main job.

1. Step 1 · Self-careFluids, light clothes and restOffer small drinks often, and extra breastfeeds or formula for babies. Dress your child in light clothes. A lukewarm cloth on the forehead can feel nice.

   Works

   Keeps your child comfortable and hydrated, which is what matters most

   Cost

   Free

   How long

   1 to 4 days for most fevers

   Watch for

   Fewer wet nappies or less wee can mean dehydration.

   The fever isn’t the enemy. It’s the bouncer.

2. Step 2 · PharmacyParacetamol or ibuprofen if uncomfortableOnly if the fever is making your child miserable or they have pain, such as a sore throat. Paracetamol is not for babies under 2 months. Ibuprofen is not for babies under 3 months, children who are dehydrated or have chickenpox, and children with asthma unless a doctor says it’s fine.

   Works

   Improves comfort. Lowering the temperature doesn’t speed up recovery. Don’t alternate the two unless a health professional advises it

   Cost

   A few dollars

   How long

   As needed, following the label

   Watch for

   Use the dose for your child’s age and weight. Never give aspirin to children.

   Treat the child, not the thermometer.

3. Step 3 · GPA doctor’s checkA GP looks for the cause, such as an ear, throat or urine infection, and checks for signs of something more serious.

   Works

   Finds the few fevers that need treatment, such as antibiotics for a bacterial infection

   Cost

   Often bulk billed for children; varies

   How long

   Same day or next day, depending on how your child is

   Watch for

   See a doctor if a fever lasts more than 2 days.

   Ninety-nine viruses and one bacterium. Your GP’s job is finding the one.

4. Step 4 · EmergencyUrgent hospital assessmentBabies under 3 months with any fever of 38°C or more need to be seen straight away, even if they seem well. So do children with a weak immune system.

   Works

   Young babies can be seriously unwell without looking it, so they are checked carefully

   Cost

   Free in Australian public hospitals

   How long

   Same day

   Watch for

   Go to the nearest emergency department; don’t wait to see if it settles.

   Under 3 months, there’s no “wait and see”.

Costs are rough Australian prices in November 2026 and vary by pharmacy and provider. PBS co-payment: $25, or $7.70 with a concession card. Results are typical figures from trials, not promises.

Save your money

Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.

• Cold baths, cold sponging or stripping your child offNot recommended. Fever is a normal response to infection, and cooling a child down this way just makes them uncomfortable.
• Giving medicine just to bring the number downIf your child is happy and playing, they don’t need medicine. It doesn’t help them recover faster.
• Blaming teethingTeething doesn’t cause a fever. Look for another cause.
• AspirinNever give aspirin to children under 16.

What you can do

• Check how your child looks and behaves, not just the temperature.
• Offer drinks often and keep an eye on wet nappies or wees.
• Dress them in light clothes with a sheet or light blanket.
• Check on your child regularly, including overnight.
• Keep them home from childcare or school while they have a fever.
• In Australia, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 for advice from a nurse, any time.

See your GP if

• A fever has lasted more than 2 days
• Your child is vomiting and can’t keep fluids down
• They have an ongoing headache or tummy pain
• They have had a febrile seizure
• They have travelled overseas recently, or been near someone with a serious infection

See a doctor urgently if

• A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or more
• A temperature above 40°C
• A rash, especially one that doesn’t fade when you press a glass on it
• Unusual sleepiness, or your child is getting worse
• A child with a weak immune system who has a temperature of 38°C or more

Call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number if your child is drowsy and hard to wake, has trouble breathing, has a stiff neck or dislikes bright light, has a fit that won’t stop, or has cold hands and feet with pale, blue or blotchy skin.

Helpful resources

• healthdirect: Fever in childrenHome care and when to see a doctor. Free, Australia.
• NHS: High temperature in childrenChecking a temperature and warning signs. Free, UK.
• Middle ear infection fact sheetA common cause of fever in young children. Free, from us.

Evidence and more information

• healthdirect: Fever and high temperature in children
• Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Kids Health Info: Fever in children
• NHS: High temperature (fever) in children

Reviewed 4 November 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP, physio or pharmacist.

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