Fever in Children: When to Worry & When to Wait

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

Understanding Fever in Children

Fever (temperature ≥38°C / 100.4°F) is the body's natural immune response to infection. It is not an illness itself — it is a sign that the immune system is working. Most fevers in children are caused by viral infections and resolve in 2–5 days without specific treatment.

Temperature Measurement Guide

• Rectal (most accurate for infants): ≥38°C = fever
• Axillary (underarm): ≥37.5°C = fever (0.5°C less than rectal)
• Oral: ≥37.8°C = fever
• Forehead / ear strips: Less accurate — use for screening only

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

• Any fever in a baby <3 months (even low-grade) — emergency
• Fever >39.4°C in children under 2 years
• Fever lasting >5 days at any age
• Fever with rash, stiff neck, severe headache, light sensitivity (possible meningitis)
• Fever with difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or dehydration
• Child very difficult to wake, unusually confused or limp
• Fever with a febrile seizure

Home Management

• Paracetamol: 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours
• Ibuprofen (>6 months): 10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours
• Encourage fluids — fever causes fluid loss
• Light clothing — do not bundle up
• Tepid sponging: lukewarm water (not cold/ice)