Fever in children

A quick and easy way to find out whether your child has a fever is to take their temperature using a thermometer.



Common conditions that can cause fevers include:

upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs) flu ear infections roseola – a virus that causes a temperature and a rash  tonsillitis kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs) common childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox and whooping cough

Your child’s temperature can also be raised after vaccinations, or if they overheat because of too much bedding or clothing.

Symptoms

breathlessness vomiting  rash  fits or seizures 

Possible serious bacterial illnesses include:

meningitis – infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord septicaemia – infection of the blood pneumonia – inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by an infection

Potentially serious causes of fever are relatively rare.