Fever in Children

A fever is a rise in body temperature above normal. Fever is a symptom, not a disease, and it is usually caused by an infection.

Not all fevers are dangerous. A fever is part of the body’s normal immune system. Higher fevers do not mean an illness is more serious; the way your child looks and acts is a more important measure of an illness.

Contact your health-care provider in the following situations:

Call immediately if your child:

• is under three months of age;
• appears to be and acts very ill; or
• has a rash, cough or wheeze with the fever.

Call within 24 hours if your child is:

• is between three  and six months of age.

Call if:

• the fever has lasted over 24 hours with no obvious cause;
• the fever lasts more than three days;
• the fever returns within 24 hours of relief; or
• you are concerned.

For help, please contact:

• Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 811
• Public or Community Health Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Local health clinic
• Doctor’s office