A hot, unsettled child in the middle of the night can leave any parent unsure what to do next. Most fevers in children are caused by viral infections and can be managed at home, but some signs mean your child needs a doctor quickly. This guide explains when to see a doctor about your child’s fever, which symptoms need urgent care or a call to triple zero (000), and how to keep your child comfortable in the meantime. It draws on advice from healthdirect and The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, and explains how to see a GP at Harpley Doctors in Werribee.
Key Takeaways
- A fever is a temperature of 38°C or more, usually caused by a viral infection.
- Babies under 3 months with a fever above 38°C need urgent medical attention.
- See a GP if a fever lasts more than 2 days or your child seems to be getting sicker.
- Call 000 if your child is struggling to breathe, cannot be woken or has a first seizure.
- Fluids and comfort matter more than bringing the temperature down.
What counts as a fever in children
A fever is a body temperature of 38°C or higher. According to healthdirect’s guide to fever in children, fevers are common in young children, are usually caused by viruses, and can mostly be managed at home. Your child may feel hot to touch, look flushed, shiver, sweat, be irritable or sleep more than usual.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne fever fact sheet recommends checking temperature with a digital thermometer under the arm, or an ear thermometer for children over six months. Forehead infrared and plastic-strip thermometers can be unreliable. Doctors focus on the cause of a fever rather than the exact number, so how your child looks and behaves matters more than repeated readings. Teething does not cause a temperature above 38°C.
When to see a doctor about your child’s fever
It comes down to your child’s age, how long the fever has lasted and what other symptoms appear. Book a GP visit if your child:
- has had a fever for more than 2 days, or is not getting better
- seems to be getting sicker
- is vomiting and not keeping food, drinks or medicine down
- has a blanching rash, one that fades to skin colour when you press on it
- has a fever above 40°C, ongoing headaches or ongoing tummy pain
- has trouble breathing or worsening tiredness with no bursts of energy
- usually walks but has stopped, or no longer seems able to walk
- has travelled, or been in contact with someone who has a serious infection
Most importantly, trust your instincts. The Royal Children’s Hospital advises seeing a doctor whenever you are worried and think your child seems unwell, whatever their age. You can also read our guide on when to take your child to a GP for other common concerns.
When it is an emergency
Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if your child:
- is struggling to breathe, or looks blue or very pale
- cannot be woken, or is unusually drowsy
- has a febrile seizure for the first time, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, or does not wake up after a seizure stops
- has a stiff neck
Go to a hospital emergency department if your child has a weakened immune system and a fever above 38°C, light is hurting their eyes, they have a constant headache, or they have a non-blanching rash that does not fade when pressed. For babies under 3 months with a fever above 38°C, healthdirect advises going to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. If you are unsure which to choose, our article on seeing a GP instead of the emergency department may help.
Worried about your child’s fever? We are open seven days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Caring for a feverish child at home
If your child is drinking and seems comfortable, there is no need to treat the fever itself. Lowering the temperature will not make an infection go away faster or prevent febrile seizures. To help your child feel better:
- offer small amounts to drink often; under six months, offer extra breastfeeds or bottle feeds
- for children over six months, offer water, oral rehydration solution or apple juice mixed with water
- dress them in light clothing, and use a sheet or light blanket if they are shivering
- avoid cold baths or showers, which can make them more uncomfortable
If the fever is making your child miserable, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, following the dose on the pack for their age and weight. Healthdirect notes that ibuprofen is for children aged 3 months or older and should be avoided in children with asthma unless your doctor advises otherwise. Never give aspirin to children unless a doctor has prescribed it. If your child still has a fever after medicine but is feeling better, there is no need to worry.
Preventing infections
Washing hands often, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow, not sharing cups or towels, and keeping your child home when unwell all reduce the spread of infection. Keeping up with childhood immunisations matters too, although a fever can follow some vaccinations. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended from 6 months of age and is free under the National Immunisation Program for children aged 6 months to under 5 years. If your child has a cough as well as a fever, keep an eye on their breathing, and read about RSV in infants or when a winter cough needs a GP visit.
Seeing a GP at Harpley Doctors
Harpley Doctors is open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 5 pm, and public holidays 10 am to 3 pm, so you can come in during the week or on the weekend. Several of our GPs, including Dr Arezoo Mirzaei, Dr Farzana Yasmin and Dr Tina Dolatabadizadeh, list paediatrics or child health among their interests; meet them on our team page, or read more about our paediatric health care.
Your doctor will ask about symptoms, fluids and vaccinations, examine your child and may order urine or blood tests, which can be collected at our on-site pathology centre. All consultations are bulk billed. Book online through HealthEngine or call (03) 8731 1330. After hours, call 13 SICK (13 7425), or the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, always call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does teething cause a fever?
No. Children who are teething may have a temperature up to 38°C, but a temperature above 38°C is not caused by teething and is more likely to be an infection.
How long does a fever usually last?
Most fevers improve within a week, depending on the cause. Speak to a doctor if your child’s fever lasts more than two days, or sooner if other worrying symptoms appear.
Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Usually one is enough. The Royal Children’s Hospital says it is safe to give both at the same time, or one after the other, following the pack instructions. Keep track of each dose and when it was given.
When can my child go back to childcare or school?
Once they are feeling better and their symptoms have improved, unless their doctor has advised otherwise.
If your child’s fever has you worried, we are open seven days a week. Book online through HealthEngine or call Harpley Doctors in Werribee.