Fevers, also known as a high temperature, are common in children. An ordinary cold can cause a high fever so a fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously unwell.
A fever (temperature higher than 38ºC) is usually caused by an infection such as a cold. It should return to normal (around 37ºC) within a few days. You can take their temperature with a thermometer, read more about thermometers and how to use them. In most cases your tamariki with a fever can be cared for at home.
COVID-19 pandemic |
A fever, with or without respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose, could also be a COVID infection. Test for COVID-19 and stay home until well or sure this isn’t COVID. |
How to care for your child/tamariki with a fever
Fluids: Give your child plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Encourage them to eat small, healthy meals or snacks.
Rest: Give them extra rest.
Clothing: Undress your child so they are just wearing a single layer (maybe a singlet and pants). Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold.
Check them regularly: You may need to give them extra cuddles and let them be closer to you.
Medicine: Give medication if needed and always follow the label to make sure it’s the right dose for your child’s age, weight and illness. See below for information on medication.

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Important: babies under 3 months old should be seen by a doctor |
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It's OK to look after your child, or baby over 3 months old, at home as long as they are drinking and eating well and interacting with you.
When to get help
Contact a healthcare provider or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice if your child with a fever: | |
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Contact a doctor urgently if your child with a fever: |
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Call 111 and ask for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital if your child with a fever: |
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What causes fever in children?
The most common cause of a fever in a child is an infection. The body's natural reaction to infection is to raise the temperature inside the body. This helps to kill the infection. Other causes of high body temperature include:
- immunisation – this usually causes only mild fever
- wrapping a baby in too many warm layers of clothing or bedding.
Will a fever harm my child?
Fever is a normal way for a child to fight an infection. Being hot may make your child feel unhappy or uncomfortable, but the high temperature is very unlikely to cause any long-term problems. Some children have seizures when they have fevers. These look very worrying, but even these febrile seizures are very unlikely to cause long-term problems. Read more about febrile seizures.
Medicines for fever in my child
If your child is happy, and they are not unwell, you do not need to do anything more. You do not need to treat the fever with a medicine.
Paracetamol
If your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose. Read more about paracetamol in children and use our paracetamol dose calculator if you're not sure how much to give them.
You don't need to give babies and children paracetamol before or after immunisation. There is some evidence that paracetamol may reduce the effectiveness of childhood immunisations.
Other medicine
- If your doctor gives your child ibuprofen, use it only if your child with a fever is miserable.
- Don't give your child cold and flu medicines.
- Never give your child aspirin as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a rare and serious illness.
Learn more
Fever KidsHealth, NZ
Fever in children Ministry of Health, NZ
Fever in children – does my child need medicine? Choosing Wisely, NZ
References
Fever KidsHealth, NZ
High temperature (fever) in children NHS, UK