What causes a child to run a fever or high temperature?
Fever is the body's defence mechanism against either viruses or bacteria. The body tries to create so much heat that the virus or the bacteria cannot survive. Having a temperature helps you fight illness.

The part of the human brain that controls body temperature is not fully developed in children. That means that children's temperature may rise and fall very quickly.

The temperature of their surroundings very easily affects a child's body temperature. If it is very hot, take off some of your child's clothes so heat can escape from their body. If it is very cold, parents can help their child stay warm by dressing them in warm clothes.

What is the normal temperature for a child?
If you take the temperature in your child's mouth or ear, the normal temperature is between 36º and 36.8º C (97.7º to 99.1ºF).

Does it make a difference where the temperature is taken?
Temperature can be taken by putting the thermometer in the child's mouth, under their arm, in their ear, in their bottom, or using strips that are placed on the forehead.

Research shows that the most reliable results are achieved by taking the temperature in the child's bottom - known as the rectal method.

Temperatures taken here are most accurate and are about 0.5 degrees C higher than mouth temperatures. Temperatures taken in the ear will be approximately. 0.5 degrees C lower than from a rectal measurement.

Temperature taken in the armpit is not very reliable and will be about 0.5 degrees C (2 degrees F) lower than the mouth temperature.

Thermometer strips that are placed on the child's forehead have become very popular, but their measurements are not very precise and they are not recommended.

How can I take my child's temperature using the rectal method?
The classic, and most precise, method is rectal measurement. It is the best method for children up to the age of three. You can use either a digital thermometer or a mercury thermometer. When using a mercury thermometer, shake it before use.

Place the child over your knee with its stomach on your thighs. This will give you a firm grip and you will be able to see what you are doing. Put a little petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer and insert it carefully 1-1.5 cm (about half an inch) into your child's rectum. If it is a mercury thermometer, hold it steady for two minutes. When using a digital thermometer, it will only take about 30 seconds; the thermometer gives a little beep when it is ready.

How can I take my child's temperature in the ear?
If you are willing to pay for an ear thermometer, this is a very quick method and will give a temperature read out in just one second. Older children usually prefer this to the rectal measurement.

Temperatures taken in the ear will be approximately 0.5 degrees C lower than from a rectal measurement.

Some ear thermometers are adjustable so that they can be made suitable for children.

Especially with small children, ear thermometers require a steady hand in order to find the right spot.

To get a reliable temperature measurement, the thermometer must be used as directed. You cannot measure the temperature just anywhere in the ear; the thermometer has to reach the eardrum. To make sure the thermometer is in the right place, pull the top part of the child's ear gently upwards. Otherwise, because of the s-shape of the ear, the thermometer will not be able to reach the eardrum. When you buy the thermometer, ask the salesperson how to use it. Read the instructions carefully before you start.

If the child has been lying with its head on a warm pillow, or has just come inside out of the cold, you will need to wait 10 to 15 minutes before the ear can provide an accurate measurement of body temperature.

How can I take my child's temperature in the mouth?
The thermometer is placed in the mouth, under the tongue and will take two to three minutes to measure the temperature. If the child has just eaten anything hot or cold, it will be necessary to wait 10 minutes before an accurate temperature can be taken.

This method is not suitable for a young child. They may bite the thermometer and break it, which can be very dangerous.

Temperatures taken in the mouth will be 0.5 degrees C lower than a rectal temperature reading.

How can I take my child's temperature under the armpit?
This method is not good for small children, since they will not stay still for long enough. You risk both an inaccurate measurement and hurting the child. With older children, you place the thermometer under their armpit for 5 - 10 minutes.

Temperatures taken under the armpit will be about 0.5 degree C lower than temperatures taken in the mouth.

What do I do when my child has a temperature?
A child with a high temperature needs more liquid than usual, because the fever will make them sweat a lot. Make sure the child drinks plenty of liquids - if necessary, a teaspoonful every few minutes. Provided they drink plenty of liquids, it won't matter too much if they eat very little for a couple of days.

A child with a high temperature also needs rest and sleep. They do not have to be in bed all day if they feel like playing, but they must have the opportunity to lie down.

You do NOT sweat out a fever. If the child shivers while their temperature is rising, it is OK to cover him with a duvet or a blanket, but when his temperature has stabilised and the child starts sweating, they need to cool down. They only need to wear underwear or a nappy and this will help the heat escape from the body. Make sure their room is ventilated and cool, but not draughty.

If you want to use medication to get the temperature down, ask your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to tell you what to use and how much. The dosage will depend on both the age and weight of your child. Paracetamol suspension is the usual choice.

Sick children are often tired and bad-tempered. They sleep a lot and when they are awake, they want their parents around all the time. They might whine and act younger than their age. It is OK to give in and spoil a child a little while they are sick. Read to them, play with them and spend time with them. This is not the time to teach a child good manners. A child usually recovers quickly and will go back to their old self again.

When is a fever critical?
Look at your child and use common sense. Does the child look exhausted? Does the child look ill? Does the child behave differently? If the answer is yes, call the doctor. You should also call the doctor if:

you have a young child, less than three months old, who runs a high fever.

your child cries and cries, without you being able to comfort him or her, and doesn't wake up easily.

your child has a temperature over 38 degrees C (101.3 degrees F) for more than three days.

If your child has any of these symptoms call the doctor:

stiff neck

affected by bright light

hallucinations

red rash or blue/purple dots or patches

trouble breathing

cramps

continued vomiting or diarrhoea

continued tonsillitis

if it is painful for the child to urinate, or it urinates more than usual

other illnesses

if your child has just had an operation

if your child does not seem to be getting better.

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