FEVER
Fever in a Child
What is a Normal Body Temperature?
The normal average body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F) when measured orally. Body temperature can fluctuate quite a bit through the day depending on what your child is doing, what they are wearing, and what kind of climate conditions they are exposed to.
Your child's temperature can be taken in different ways: taken under the tongue (orally), in the ear (tympanic), under the arm (axillary) and rectally. All of these methods can vary by a few decimals:
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Rectum
36.6°C to 37.9°C (97.9°F to 100.2°F)
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Mouth
35.5°C to 37.5°C (95.9°F to 99.5°F)
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Armpit
36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.8°F to 99.5°F)
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Ear
35.8°C to 37.9°C (96.4°F to 100.2°F)
What is a Fever?
A fever is body temperature that is higher than average. It is a normal response to infection and other illnesses. Fever helps the body fight infection and can be a symptom of illness or disease, either minor or serious. Fever itself is not a disease but a sign that the body is fighting something.
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Ear or rectal temperature:
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Fever: 38°C (100.4°F) to 39.9°C (103.9°F)
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High fever: 40°C (104°F) and higher
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Oral or armpit temperature:
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Fever: 37.6°C (99.7°F) to 39.4°C (102.9°F)
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High fever: 39.8°C (103.6°F) and higher
What Causes a Fever?
Viral infections, like those that cause colds and flu, are one of the most common causes of fever. Fevers can also be caused by bacterial infections like a urinary tract infection (bladder infection), pneumonia or an ear infection. In a young infant (0-3 months), fever can be a sign of serious bacterial illness, like meningitis, and they should be seen by a doctor urgently.
Fevers can also be caused by other processes inside the body such as inflammation, allergic reaction, cancer or autoimmune disorders. Your child can also get a fever from being too hot, like when sitting or playing outside in the sun for too long or being in a car on a hot day.
Treating a Fever
Fever is a symptom of something else going on in the body. Most fevers will go away once the illness causing it clears up. See our section on Cold and Flu for tips on how to treat these conditions, if this is what is causing your child's fever. You can treat your child's fever with over the counter medication like Tylenol or Advil. If you are unsure about how to dose over-the-counter medications for your child, speak to your pharmacist, doctor or nurse for guidance.
If your child's fever is from a bacterial infection, you may need to see a doctor or pharmacist for treatment.
Try to dress your child in light clothing when they have a fever, and keep the room temperature at 21°C (70°F) or lower to help them keep cool.
See a Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
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Your child is dehydrated and unable to keep water down. Signs that your child may be dehydrated include feeling very thirsty and having dark, concentrated urine
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Rash that accompanies their fever
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Signs of a bacterial infections like: tugging at their ears or complaining of pain (ears, abdomen, throat), crying more than usual if they are non-verbal
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Persistent wheezing or coughing
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Excessive sleepiness, or change in level of consciousness
Preventing Fevers
Fevers are a normal reaction to infection. The only way to prevent them is to prevent infection. Wash your hands frequently and make sure your child does the same. You and your child should wear a mask when out in large groups during cold and flu season.
Having up to date immunizations can also protect your child from illnesses.