My child has a fever: what parents should look out for

When does my child have a fever?

Fever is not an illness, but a natural response of the immune system to any pathogens. It is the body's way of showing that it is trying to defend itself against viruses and bacteria, as these cannot multiply easily at high body temperatures.

Normally, the body temperature is between 36.5 °C and 37.5 °C. Fluctuations are possible at any time due to sport, the time of day and clothing becoming too warm. A temperature of 37.6 °C or higher is referred to as an elevated temperature and 38.5 °C or higher as a fever. Caution is advised at body temperatures above 39 °C, as this is already a high fever. However, a high temperature does not necessarily indicate a serious illness. Temperatures of 38 to 39 degrees are not uncommon, especially for small children.

Recognising the signs of a fever

Both adults and children usually have the same signs of fever. In addition to the familiar symptoms, such as a hot forehead or hot cheeks, the following signs are typical:

• The face is hot and flushed, especially the cheeks, neck and forehead
• The skin is pale and feels cool to the touch
• Eyes appear tired, watery or ‘glassy’
• Loss of appetite and increased thirst
• Weakness, tearfulness & restlessness
• Sweating or chills

There are different types of fever: Some people have a dry and hot fever, while others have a cold (especially on the hands and feet) and moist (sweat) fever. If a high fever is accompanied by dizziness, sensory disturbances or confusion, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

What causes fever?

Fever or a high temperature can have many causes in children. Triggers can be:

• Infections with viruses or bacteria, such as a cold or flu
• Vaccinations are often followed by a fever
• Childhood illnesses such as measles, rubella or mumps are often accompanied by fever
• Environmental factors such as extreme heat, sun exposure (sunburn, sunstroke)
• Teething in babies can also cause a high temperature
• Lack of fluids, for example due to severe vomiting or diarrhoea (known as thirst fever)
• Skin diseases such as hives
  
  

How parents can help with fever

To alleviate your child's symptoms, pay attention to the following measures that may be helpful.

• First and foremost, your child should take it easy and stay at home if possible. Ensure bed rest without excessive exertion.
• Ensure sufficient fluid intake at regular intervals (vomiting or diarrhoea requires a lot of fluids!)
• Light and digestible food
• In case of chills: warm clothing, drinks or blankets to keep the body warm. Once the chills have passed, make sure that your child is not too warmly dressed or covered up.
• Calf compresses to reduce fever: To cool the outside of the body, you can wrap lukewarm, wet towels around your child's lower leg. Wrap a larger dry cloth over it and leave the compress on the legs for approx. 5 minutes (then repeat the compress 1-2 times and measure the temperature afterwards).
  
  Our APO24 tip: Calf compresses should only be used if the child is ‘glowing’, but not if the child's hands or feet are cold or if the child is freezing or shivering!
  
  

Medication to reduce fever should only be used from a body temperature of 38.5 °C to 39 °C (measured rectally). Fever syrups or suppositories containing the active ingredients ibuprofen and paracetamol are usually used to reduce fever with medication. Any use of medication and dosage should always be discussed with your doctor. On APO24 you will also find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies.

Your APO24 team