When to Be Worried About Your Child's Fever

Fever Is Not the Enemy

Fever is your child's immune system working. A temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) means the body is fighting an infection. In most cases, this is a normal, healthy response — not a medical emergency.

Age-Specific Thresholds

**For infants under 3 months:** Any fever above 38°C requires immediate medical evaluation. Their immune systems are immature and infections can be serious.

**For children 3-6 months:** Fever above 38.5°C warrants a doctor visit within a few hours.

**For children over 6 months:** A fever below 39.5°C in an otherwise alert, drinking child who responds to you can usually be managed at home.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Care

- Difficulty breathing or abnormally fast breathing - Purple or red spots on the skin (petechiae) — this can signal meningitis - Neck stiffness in a child older than 1 year - Fever lasting more than 5 days without improvement - Child unusually limp, very difficult to wake, or not responding normally - Seizure (even in a child with a history of febrile seizures) - No wet diapers in 8 hours — sign of dehydration

Managing Fever at Home

1. **Paracetamol (15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours)** — safe, effective first line 2. **Ensure adequate hydration** — breast milk, water, ORS solution 3. **Light clothing** — don't overwrap, allow heat to dissipate 4. **Cool compress on forehead** — helps comfort but not a treatment 5. **Avoid aspirin** in children under 12

When Antibiotics Are NOT Needed

90% of childhood fevers are viral — antibiotics do nothing for viruses and increase resistance. Do not pressure doctors for antibiotics if they are not prescribed.

*If you're ever unsure, Bethzatha's Pediatrics Department is open 7AM–9PM daily and Emergency is available 24/7.*