Fever, childhood
Introduction
A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5 F) is a fever.
As a parent it can be extremely worrying if your child has a high temperature. However, it's very common and often clears up by itselfwithout treatment.
A quick and easy way tofind out whether your child has afever is to take their temperature using a thermometer .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Jan 2017
Introduction
A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children a temperature over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever.
What causes a high temperature?
Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses.The high body temperaturemakes it more difficult for thebacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive. Common conditions that can cause
When to seek urgent medical advice
Contact your GP or health visitor urgently if your child: is underthree months old and has a temperature of 38C (101F) or above is between three and six months old and has a temperature of 39C (102
Treating a fever
If your child has a fever, it'simportant to keep them hydrated by giving them plenty of cool water to drink. Babies should be given plenty of liquids, such as breast milk or formula.Even if your chil
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