Fever in Children

Fevers are very common in children and are usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. While fevers can often be worrying for parents, most are caused by common viral illnesses such as colds, flu, or other minor infections and improve within a few days.

At Parkhill Medical Centre, our doctors understand how stressful it can be when your child is unwell. We provide careful assessment, reassurance, and guidance to help parents manage fevers safely and confidently.

A fever is generally considered a temperature of 38°C or higher. Along with a high temperature, children may also experience:

• Tiredness or irritability
• Reduced appetite
• Chills or sweating
• Coughs and congestion
• Sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Body aches or headaches

In many cases, fevers can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and monitoring. However, some children may require medical assessment to identify the cause of the fever and determine whether further treatment is needed.

Our doctors can assess children with:

• Persistent or recurrent fevers
• High fevers
• Fevers associated with breathing difficulties
• Dehydration concerns
• Ear pain or sore throat
• Rashes
• Reduced energy levels or lethargy

It is important to seek urgent medical attention if your child:

• • Has difficulty breathing
  • Becomes unusually drowsy or difficult to wake
  • Has a seizure
  • Develops a rash that does not fade when pressed
  • Shows signs of dehydration
  • Is a young baby with a fever