• Axillary (armpit) thermometer for children less than 4 weeks old 
• Axillary (armpit) thermometer, tympanic (ear) thermometer for children 4 weeks old and above
• Rectal thermometer, this gives the most accurate reading but is invasive and less convenient to use

The most common causes of fever in children are viral infections. There are other less common causes.

Viral Infections

3. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache, dehydration

4. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: blister-like rash on the palms, soles, buttocks, tongue and mouth

5. Dengue Fever: headache, muscle and joint aches, rash

6. Chickenpox: blister-like rash on the body

Bacterial infections

These are less common than viral infections but can also cause fevers. e.g. pneumonia, urinary tract infections (foul-smelling urine and decreased urine production) and  kidney infections.

Immunisations

Sometimes, children develop a fever after an immunisation e.g. after DTaP. Immunisations are designed to stimulate the immune system to develop immunity to a specific bacteria/virus. Fevers following immunisation are not usually prolonged.

Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammatory conditions and reactions e.g. Kawasaki Disease (presents with prolonged fever, red eye, body rash, swelling of the lips/ tongue/ feet/ hands, lymph nodes in the neck) , some types of arthritis e.g. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or tumours may also cause fever.

Do note that teething in babies usually does not cause high fever.

Fever can be scary, especially if your child is very young, or if his fever is persistently high for a few days. A higher temperature does not mean a more severe illness. Fever is a symptom of an underlying disease and a sign that the body is fighting the disease.

Depending on your child's age, look out for changes in his behaviour when deciding whether and when, to bring him to the doctor. If your child appears well, responsive and can take feeds or eat despite running a fever, let him rest and sponge him to keep his temperature below 38˚C. Use your instincts.  If you are concerned or think your child is getting worse, please seek medical attention for your child. 

Go to the Children's Emergency immediately if your child:

• Has a temperature of more than 41.0°C, or 38.0°C for those less than 3 months old
• Is difficult to awaken. Fever may make children sleep more but they should awaken easily and be able to respond to you
• Seems confused or delirious
• Cries constantly and you cannot settle him or her
• Has difficulty breathing
• Is very lethargic
• Has a skin colour that appears pale or grey
• Has bruising spots
• Has a fit (seizure or convulsion)
• Is drinking less fluids and has significantly less urine output than usual 
  

To help your child feel more comfortable, here's what you can do to bring down his temperature:

1. Sponge him with lukewarm water. Do not sponge your child with ice water or cold water, or for more than 30 minutes at a time.

2. Dress your child in thin clothing and cool the room. Do not wrap him in thick blankets to "sweat it out" as it will prevent him from losing heat.

3. Let your child rest more and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

4. Seek medical advice and serve the prescribed dosage of fever medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen (provided your child has no allergies) if his fever remains above 38.5 degrees Celsius. Do note that paracetamol and ibuprofen do not treat the cause of the fever

It is reassuring if a child improves with when the temperature comes down.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical condition.