Paediatrics
Fever in Children: When to Worry, When to Wait
By Content Writer, Dunman Medical Clinic
Fever is one of the most common reasons parents bring a child in for care, and also one of the most misunderstood symptoms — a fever itself is not an illness, but a sign the body is responding to one, and the height of the fever alone doesn't reliably indicate how serious the underlying cause is.
What matters more than the exact temperature is how the child is behaving. A child with a high fever who is still drinking, interacting, and reasonably alert is generally in a different category from a child with a lower fever who is lethargic, difficult to rouse, or refusing all fluids. This is why a paediatric assessment looks at the whole picture, not just the number on a thermometer.
Age is also a significant factor: fever in a very young infant (particularly under three months) is treated with more caution than the same fever in an older child, since infants' immune responses and ability to communicate how they feel are both more limited. This is a case where 'when in doubt, get it checked' is genuinely the right default, rather than an overreaction.
Practical tips
Behaviour matters more than the exact number
A playful, drinking child with a high fever is often less concerning than a lethargic child with a lower one — watch how they're acting, not just the thermometer.
Very young infants warrant lower thresholds for concern
Fever in babies under three months is generally assessed more cautiously — check with a doctor sooner rather than waiting it out.
Keep fluids up more than you chase the number down
Preventing dehydration matters more than aggressively lowering a fever that isn't otherwise causing distress.
Note how long the fever has lasted
A fever persisting beyond 3-5 days, or one that resolves and then returns, is worth a review even if the child seems otherwise well.
When to see a doctor
Seek prompt care for fever in an infant under three months, a fever above 40°C, fever accompanied by a rash, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or unusual lethargy, or any fever lasting more than a few days.
Have questions about paediatrics?
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Book a consultationRelated services at Dunman Medical Clinic
- Teleconsult for a first assessment of childhood fever
- Same-day paediatric consult when in-person review is needed
- Growth and developmental review at routine visits
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 995 immediately.