Fever is one of the most common reasons parents visit a children’s doctor. Most fevers settle with rest and fluids, but some need a doctor’s check the same day.
See a paediatrician if your child has
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Temperature above 102 F
- Rash, fits (seizures), fast or noisy breathing
- Poor feeding, very little urine or unusual sleepiness
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
What you can do at home meanwhile
Give plenty of fluids, keep the child lightly dressed, let them rest and continue feeding. Avoid giving adult medicines or antibiotics without a doctor’s advice.
Why do children get fever?
Fever is the body’s way of fighting infection, and in children it is most often caused by common viral illnesses such as colds, throat infections or stomach bugs. Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, but a high fever should never be blamed on teething alone. Bacterial infections of the ear, throat, chest or urine, and illnesses such as dengue, typhoid and malaria, can also cause fever, which is why persistent fever needs examination.
How to care for a child with fever at home
- Offer plenty of fluids: breast milk, oral rehydration solution, water, soups
- Dress the child in light clothing and keep the room comfortable
- Use paracetamol in the dose advised for your child’s weight; do not give aspirin
- Do not use ice-cold water or alcohol rubs
- Let the child rest and watch how they behave, not just the thermometer reading
Danger signs: go to a doctor immediately
Any fever in a baby younger than three months, fever with a fit, stiff neck, severe headache, difficulty breathing, a rash that does not fade on pressing, repeated vomiting, or a child who is unusually drowsy or limp, needs urgent medical attention. Also seek help if fever lasts more than two to three days or keeps returning.
How a paediatrician helps
The doctor examines the ears, throat, chest and abdomen, checks hydration and decides whether blood or urine tests are needed. Antibiotics are given only when a bacterial infection is likely. At Swastha Clinic, Dr. V. Mounika Reddy sees children Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM, with walk-ins welcome.
Home care while the fever settles
Give plenty of fluids, breast milk or oral rehydration solution, and let your child rest. Dress them in light cotton clothes and avoid thick blankets. Paracetamol in the dose advised by your paediatrician can make your child comfortable, but do not give aspirin or mix several fever medicines. Sponging with lukewarm water is fine; cold water or alcohol rubs are not.
Warning signs that need a doctor the same day
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Fever with fast breathing, chest pulling in, or a blue tinge to the lips
- Stiff neck, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or a fit
- Rash that does not fade when pressed, or unusual drowsiness
- Very little urine, dry mouth, or no tears while crying
What to tell the doctor
Note when the fever started, the highest reading, any cough, cold, loose motions, ear pain or rash, and the medicines already given. This helps Dr. V. Mounika Reddy decide whether a simple examination is enough or tests such as a blood count or urine test are needed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wake a sleeping child to give fever medicine?
Not usually. Comfort and fluids matter more. Ask your doctor about the right medicine and dose for your child’s age and weight.
Is a high fever always dangerous?
The cause matters more than the number. The doctor will examine your child to find it.
This is general information and does not replace an examination. Consult Dr. V. Mounika Reddy at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic, Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram.
Read more: Paediatrician in Vanasthalipuram | Our doctors
Book a visit: Call or WhatsApp +91 83417 94993. Walk-ins welcome.
Learn more about our child fever, cough and infection care in Vanasthalipuram, or call 83417 94993 to book a consultation.
