Fever in Children: When to Worry and What to Do

A Parent's Guide to Childhood Fever

Few things cause more anxiety for parents than a child with a fever. The good news is that fever itself is not dangerous in most cases. It's actually your child's immune system doing its job. But knowing when to worry and when to wait is essential.

What Counts as a Fever?

Common Causes of Fever in Children

• Viral infections, The most common cause. Includes colds, flu, hand-foot-mouth disease, and roseola
• Ear infections, Very common in children under 5, often follows a cold
• Throat infections, Including strep throat, which needs antibiotics
• Urinary tract infections, More common in girls, can cause fever without other obvious symptoms
• Teething, Can cause a mild temperature (up to 38°C) but not a true high fever
• Vaccinations, A mild fever 1-2 days after vaccination is normal and expected

When to See a Doctor

Call Al Das Medical Clinic or see Dr. Sami Alafandi (Paediatrics) if your child:

• Is under 3 months old with any fever (38°C or above)
• Has a fever lasting more than 3 days
• Has a fever above 40°C at any age
• Is unusually drowsy, floppy, or difficult to wake
• Has a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it
• Is refusing fluids for more than 8 hours
• Has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly
• Is crying inconsolably or seems in significant pain
• Has had a febrile seizure (convulsion with fever)
• Has a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition

Home Management

For a child who is alert, drinking fluids, and playing (even if less energetically than usual):

1. Keep them comfortable, Light clothing, room temperature around 22-24°C
2. Encourage fluids, Water, diluted juice, ice lollies, breastmilk/formula for babies
3. Paracetamol (Calpol/Adol), Follow the dosing guide on the packaging based on age and weight
4. Ibuprofen (Nurofen for Children), Can be used from 3 months and 5kg+, can alternate with paracetamol
5. Sponging, Lukewarm (not cold) sponging can help if temperature is very high
6. Rest, But don't force bed rest if they want to play quietly

Do NOT:

• Give aspirin to children under 16
• Use cold baths or ice packs
• Over-bundle a feverish child
• Force food if they're not hungry (fluids are more important)

The Al Das Paediatric Approach

Our paediatrician, Dr. Sami Alafandi, takes a thorough and reassuring approach:

• Complete examination, Ears, throat, chest, abdomen, and skin
• Point-of-care testing, Rapid strep test, urine dipstick, and CRP if needed
• Clear explanation, What's causing the fever and what to expect
• Written care plan, Take-home instructions so you feel confident managing at home
• Follow-up, We check in to make sure your child is improving

"Parents know their children best. If something feels wrong, even if you can't pinpoint what, trust your instincts and bring them in. We'd always rather see a well child than miss a sick one.", Dr. Sami Alafandi, Paediatrics

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