Fever in Children: When to Worry and When to Relax

Dr. Sanjay Siddharth

Fever is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the doctor. Seeing your child uncomfortable or restless can naturally make you worried. But the truth is, not all fevers are harmful. In many cases, fever is simply the body’s way of fighting off germs. Understanding when to stay calm and when to seek medical help can make caring for your child much easier.

Why Do Children Get Fever?

Fever itself is not a disease. It is usually a sign that the body is working to fight an infection, such as a viral or bacterial illness. When the body temperature rises, it makes it harder for germs to survive. So while fever may look worrying, it often means that your child’s immune system is doing its job.

When You Can Relax

Not every rise in temperature is a reason to panic. In fact, mild fevers are very common in children. Here are situations where you can usually relax:

• Mild fever: A temperature below 100.4°F (38°C) often happens due to a simple cold, viral infection, or even teething.

• Child is active: If your child is still playing, eating, and drinking fluids, it’s usually not serious.

• Short fever: If the fever lasts only a day or two and your child is otherwise fine, home care is often enough.

In such cases, focus on keeping your child comfortable with rest, fluids, and light clothing.

When You Should Worry

Sometimes fever can be a sign of something more serious. Seek medical help if you notice any of these:

• Very high fever: Above 102°F (38.9°C), especially in babies under 3 months old.

• Lasts too long: Fever that continues for more than three days without improvement.

• Other symptoms: Trouble breathing, seizures, severe headache, unusual sleepiness, refusal to eat or drink, or signs of dehydration.

• Existing health problems: If your child already has a chronic illness, even a mild fever should be checked by a doctor.

Dr. Sanjay Siddharth advises, “Parents should follow their instincts. If your child looks too weak, too irritable, or just doesn’t seem right, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately.”

How Parents Can Help at Home

If your child has a mild fever, there are simple steps you can take at home:

• Keep them hydrated: Offer plenty of water, breast milk, or other fluids.

• Light clothing: Dress them in loose, comfortable clothes so the body can cool down.

• Medicines when needed: Use paracetamol only if recommended by your pediatrician.

• Avoid antibiotics: Never give antibiotics unless the doctor prescribes them, as many fevers are caused by viruses, not bacteria.

You can also try gentle sponging with lukewarm water and ensure your child gets enough rest.

The Key Message for Parents

Fever in children can be worrying, but it is not always dangerous. Many fevers come and go quickly without causing any harm. The important thing is to watch your child closely. Stay calm if the fever is mild and your child is active, but do not delay seeking medical advice if the fever is high, lasting too long, or comes with serious symptoms.

At Moolchand, our team of pediatricians and neonatologists is always ready to guide parents and provide the best possible care.

Dr. Siddharth sums it up well: “Don’t panic, but don’t ignore. Fever is usually the body’s way of healing, but parents should know the warning signs. If in doubt, always consult your pediatrician.”