In shortFever is the body fighting infection. Look at how your child behaves, not just the number, and seek help for babies under 3 months, drowsiness, fits, breathing trouble or fever beyond 3 days.
It is 2 a.m. Your child feels hot, the thermometer says 38.6, and your mind is racing. I have been on the other end of that phone call more times than I can count, and I want to tell you what I tell every parent in my clinic: fever on its own is not the enemy.
So, what exactly is a fever?
A fever is the body turning up its own thermostat to fight an infection. Germs do not like heat, and the immune system works better when it is warm. In other words, your child's body is doing its job. The number on the thermometer matters, but how your child looks and behaves matters even more.
Taking the temperature properly
- A digital thermometer under the arm or in the ear works well for most children. Check the instructions for your model.
- Wait until your child has been calm for a few minutes. Crying, bundling up or a hot drink can push the number up.
- Skip the old trick of feeling the forehead with your hand. It is a guess, and a poor one.
What helps at home
Think comfort, not numbers. Dress your child in light clothes and let them rest. Offer fluids little and often: water, ORS, soup, breast milk or formula for babies. A lukewarm room is better than a heavily covered bed.
If your child is uncomfortable, a fever medicine can help. Please give it only as advised by your doctor, in the dose worked out for your child's weight, and never give aspirin to a child. Cold water baths, ice or alcohol rubs do not help and can make a child shiver and feel worse.
If your child perks up and plays when the fever drops, that is a reassuring sign. A child who stays limp and miserable even when the temperature comes down needs to be seen.
When to relax and when to call
Here is the traffic-light guide I share with parents. Keep a photo of it on your phone.
Comfort at home
- Playful or settles when the fever comes down
- Drinking fluids and passing urine
- Fever for less than 3 days
- Lightly dressed, resting
Call us or visit today
- Fever for more than 3 days
- Very sleepy, cranky or not eating
- Pain with passing urine, ear pain or sore throat
- Fever that keeps coming back
Go to emergency now
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Fits or stiff neck
- Trouble breathing or bluish lips
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
- Extremely drowsy or hard to wake
One special group: young babies
Babies under three months are different. Their immune system is still learning the ropes, and any fever at this age needs to be checked by a doctor straight away, even if the baby looks well.
Fever and vaccines
A mild fever for a day or so after vaccination is common and usually a sign the body is learning to protect your child. If it is high, lasts longer than expected or your child seems unwell, call us.
See a doctor in HSR Layout, Bangalore
CARE Speciality Clinic offers pediatrician in HSR Layout, Bengaluru with Dr. Mahima Shetty KR, open Monday to Saturday. Patients come from Agara, Koramangala, BTM Layout, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur and Haralur. Book online or call 96320 71178.
Book appointment Learn more about our care
Consultant Pediatrician, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics). Sees patients Mon–Sat at CARE Speciality Clinic, HSR Layout.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.