What is fever?
Fever is a rise in body temperature and is commonly associated with infection.
Viral infections are among the most common causes of fever in children.
Bacterial infections and other medical conditions can also cause fever.
Common infections
Viral respiratory infections
Throat infections
Ear infections
Gastrointestinal infections
Urinary tract infections
Other bacterial or viral infections
What should parents observe?
The child’s overall condition is important, including:
Alertness and behaviour
Feeding and drinking
Urine output
Breathing
Skin colour
Presence of pain
Duration of fever
Other associated symptoms
Seek urgent medical attention if
The child has difficulty breathing.
The child is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.
There is severe dehydration.
The child has a seizure.
A concerning rash appears.
There is persistent vomiting.
The child has severe pain.
The child’s condition is rapidly worsening.
Very young infants with fever require particularly prompt medical assessment.
