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Fever

A fever, or high temperature, is when your baby or child’s temperature is 38C or higher. A normal temperature for babies and children is around 36.4C but can be slightly different for different children. Fever is common among babies and children, and is the body’s normal response to fighting an illness.

Many common illnesses can cause fever in babies and children, such as coughs and colds. Immunisations can also cause a fever in your baby or child.

Your child may have a fever if:

  • They feel hot to touch on their forehead, back or tummy (hands and feet may still be cool)
  • They feel sweaty or clammy
  • They have red cheeks

What you can do to help

You can care for your baby or child with a fever safely at home. Usually the fever will get better within 3-4 days.

To treat fever at home:

  • Give your child plenty of fluids – For infants, ensure they take plenty of breast milk or formula. You may have to offer smaller amounts but more often
  • Give your child food if they want it
  • Regularly check your child during the night
  • Keep your child at home
  • Keep your child dressed comfortably for the environment
  • Use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is distressed and feels unwell – follow the information on the bottle for correct dose, do not give ibuprofen and paracetamol together unless told too by a GP. Please refer to the paracetamol for children and ibuprofen for children pages on nhs.uk website.

Who can help?

If you’re worried about your child, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. **Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

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