Fever is common in childhood, but knowing the warning signs can help parents make the right decisions.
If your child is drinking fluids, breathing comfortably and responding normally, you can usually monitor them at home. Check their temperature and overall condition regularly, including during the night.
Seek urgent medical advice if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a baby aged 3–6 months reaches 39°C. A fever lasting 5 days or more also needs medical assessment.
Watch for serious warning signs such as a stiff neck, difficulty breathing, a first seizure, unusual difficulty waking or a rash that does not fade when pressed. These require emergency medical attention.
Never give aspirin to children under 16.
