Most fevers (high temperatures) in children are not serious and are due to the common infections of childhood such as coughs, colds and other viral infections. However, sometimes a fever is a symptom of a serious infection. If your child has a fever then try to make your child comfortable. For example, by giving them some paracetamol or ibuprofen, and give them lots to drink. Also, check for signs of serious illness. Seek medical help if you are concerned.


What causes a fever (high temperature)?

• Viral infections are the common cause. Virus infections cause many common illnesses such as colds, coughs, 'flu, diarrhoea, measles etc. Sometimes virus infections cause more serious illnesses.
• Bacterial infections are less common than viral infections, but also cause fevers. Bacteria are more likely to cause serious illness such as pneumonia, urine and kidney infections, septicaemia and meningitis.
• Other types of infection commonly malaria and typhoid in Uganda.

What can I do if my child has a fever?
Keep a digital thermometer if possible to monitor temperature, readings above 37.5oC or 100oF are regarded as high

Make your child comfortable
A fever can make a child feel uncomfortable and irritable.

The following are things that you can do that may bring the temperature down and make your child feel more comfortable
You can give paracetamol or ibuprofen. Both of these medicines can lower a temperature.
Note: these medicines do not treat the cause of the fever. They merely help to ease discomfort.
Note: It is better to use the medicines in a alternating regime rather than giving them together
Note: Avoid Ibuprofen in Children who have reacted to it or any similar drugs before and in asthmatic children.
Take the clothes off the child The aim is to prevent overheating.
Give lots of to drink. Children with fever tend to have a poor appetite for food but often like to drink. They are also prone to dehydration which could increase their discomfort if not prevented; avoid giving too much fluid in one feeding because a full stomach could provoke vomiting in a febrile child; but rather give small amounts repeatedly.
Avoid cold baths, fanning and cold sponging as these have not been found to offer any added benefit and yet could cause worsening discomfort.

Danger Signs
If a child has a serious infection they will usually get worse despite efforts to bring their temperature down. In addition, they may have other worrying symptoms. For example, convulsions, breathing problems, lethargy, bulging fontanelle in babies,s cold hands or feet, pains-Leg pains or headaches which become worse despite paracetamol or ibuprofen Stiff neck in older children. Refusal to take feeds - sometimes repeated vomiting. These may indicate the presence of severe malaria, meningitis or a serious blood infection referred to as septicemia.
Note: you should check on your child 2-3 times in the night if they have a fever, to make sure they are not developing any danger signs.
Seek medical help if you are concerned about the overall child’s condition or if you notice danger signs.

Summary
Most fevers are due to infections that are not serious and do not last long. But, see a doctor if a child does not improve within a few days, or has any worrying symptom.