How do I treat a fever?

Undress your child so that they are just wearing a single layer (for example, a singlet and pants). Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. These are the best and most comfortable ways to bring your child’s temperature down. Putting your child in the bath or shower to cool them is not recommended.

Your child is their own best guide to the level of activity that you allow. They may need extra rest or they may want to play. Encourage them to drink fluids and eat healthy small meals.

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.

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.

Paracetamol may reduce the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations to stimulate lasting immunity (infection-fighting ability). For this reason, it's not recommended for routine use before or after vaccination.

How do I know when my child has a fever?

Sometimes you can tell your child has a fever because they feel warm to touch. If your child is happy and does not seem unwell, you do not need to measure the temperature.

If your child is miserable and seems unwell, you can use a thermometer to take their temperature.