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Temperatures in children
In children any temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above is considered high and is referred to as a fever
Many things cause fevers in children, including:
- colds and flu
- ear infections
- tonsillitis
- urine infections
- common childhood diseases
Most symptoms of fever in young children can be managed at home:
- give infant paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the fever
- make sure the child is kept cool by not wrapping them up in blankets or thick clothing
- make sure they have plenty of fluids to drink to keep them well hydrated
- do not bathe them with cold water, this causes blood vessels close to the skin to get smaller, reducing the amount of heat lost from the body, and raising the core temperature
Sometimes high temperatures in babies and infants can cause febrile convulsions, which look similar to epileptic fits. These can be frightening for parents, but are usually harmless for the child - however if the fit continues for more than 4 to 5 minutes you should get the child to hospital, or call 999 or 112 for an ambulance
Generally a child with a serious infection will usually become more ill regardless of efforts to bring their temperature down. In addition, they may have other worrying symptoms. For example, breathing problems, drowsiness, convulsions, pains, or headaches which become worse despite paracetamol or ibuprofen. See a doctor if your child does not improve soon, or has any worrying symptom
For children under 5 this advice sheet produced by Leeds Teaching Hospitals contains some excellent guidance: What to do when your child has a fever 
Source: LSMP
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