It can be extremely worrying if your child has a high temperature. But it’s very common and often clears up by itself without treatment.
A quick and easy way to find out whether your child has a fever is to take their temperature using a thermometer.
Most fevers are caused by infections or other illnesses. The high body temperature makes it more difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive.
Common conditions that can cause fevers include:
Your child’s temperature can also be raised after vaccinations, or if they overheat because of too much bedding or clothing.
Your child:
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
If your child seems to be otherwise well – for example, if they’re playing and attentive – it’s less likely they’re seriously ill.
Complete our self-help guide to check your child’s symptoms and find out what to do next.
If your child has a fever, it’s important 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 child isn’t thirsty, try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up.
If it’s warm, you could help your child to stay at a comfortable temperature by covering them with a lightweight sheet or opening a window.
However, they should still be appropriately dressed for their surroundings and sponging your child with cool water isn’t recommended to reduce a fever.
Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen work as antipyretics, which help to reduce fever, as well as being painkillers. You can’t give them both at the same time, but if one doesn’t work, you may want to try the other later.
Antipyretics aren’t always needed. If your child isn’t distressed by the fever or underlying illness, there’s no need to use antipyretics to reduce a fever.
Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication. This will tell you the correct dose and frequency for your child’s age.
Sometimes a high temperature in children is associated with more serious signs and symptoms, such as:
Possible serious bacterial illnesses include:
Potentially serious causes of fever are relatively rare.
Last updated:
29 May 2023