Child Has Fever: When to Treat at Home and When to Rush to Hospital

It is 2 am and your child is burning up. You are worried and not sure what to do. Take a deep breath — this guide will tell you exactly what to do, step by step, and how to know if it is serious.

What is a Fever?

A fever is a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above. The best way to measure it is with a digital thermometer under the arm (armpit reading is usually 0.5°C lower than actual body temperature) or in the rectum for babies under 3 months.

Fever is not a disease — it is your child's immune system fighting an infection. In most cases, fever itself is not harmful. What matters is how your child is feeling and behaving.

Step 1: Check How Your Child Looks and Feels

A child who is alert, responding to you, drinking fluids, and playing a little — even with a high fever — is usually not in immediate danger. A child who is very limp, unresponsive, not drinking anything, or looks seriously unwell needs immediate medical attention, even with a mild fever.

What to Do at Home for Mild Fever

• Give paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo, Calpol) at the correct dose for your child's weight — ask your doctor for the right amount
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids — water, ORS, coconut water, diluted juice, breast milk for infants
• Dress the child lightly — no heavy blankets or layers
• Gently sponge with lukewarm water (not cold water or ice) if the child is very uncomfortable
• Rest and monitor

Do not give aspirin to children — it is not safe for children with fevers and can cause a serious condition.

Go to Hospital Immediately If:

• Your baby is under 3 months old with any fever (38°C or above) — do not wait, go right away
• Fever is above 40°C (104°F) at any age
• The child has a seizure (fit) — even if it stops quickly
• There is a stiff neck (the child cannot put their chin to their chest)
• There is a purple or dark red rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it — this can be a sign of meningococcal infection, which is a medical emergency
• The child is difficult to wake up or unusually limp
• The child cannot drink anything or shows signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, dry mouth, no urine for more than 8 hours)
• The child has difficulty breathing — fast breathing, noisy breathing, or you can see the ribs showing with each breath
• The fever has lasted more than 3 days without improvement
• You are simply worried and something does not feel right — trust your instinct as a parent

"The height of the fever matters less than how your child looks. A lively, drinking child with 40°C is less worrying than a limp, drowsy child with 38.5°C."

Common Causes of Fever in Children

Most fevers in Indian children are caused by viral infections — common cold, throat infection, or viral fever — which get better on their own in 3–5 days. During monsoon season in Hyderabad, dengue, malaria, and typhoid are also common causes of fever in children and should be tested for if the fever persists.

Bacterial infections like ear infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia need antibiotic treatment — and these can only be diagnosed by a doctor.